Taming Your Anger Dragon for Teens: How to Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

Anger is a normal part of being human. Big emotions are sometimes difficult for children to handle and that's where the Anger Dragon comes in. It provides students with an opportunity to take control of their big emotions and get their needs met in a positive way. Join in as we learn strategies for handling those big emotions in positive ways such as through the use of visualization, relaxation, positive imagery, playing games, sensory activities, listening to music and guided listening activities, reading stories,  writing our own stories, and discussing those big feelings and emotions. We also talk about brain-based strategies including recognizing and stopping the amygdala hijack, using breathing and relaxation to activate the prefrontal cortex, and we trace an emotional response through the brain!   Each week will focus on a different strategy, including activities based on student-driven interests and ideas. We have infused laughter with operation 'joy', included video games with a 'mine craft based activity', we've made sensory bottles, and slime and we've used music as an outlet for frustration. 
In this class, students will learn how to recognize and make a plan to manage extreme emotions. They will recognize that emotions are normal and they will find ways to deal with them more appropriately and effectively. 
Through the use of live discussion, interactive activities and experiments, readings, and audio/video materials, students will learn how to manage their frustrations and other big emotions. They will learn how the body and brain work together as well. 
This is an introductory class and no pre-requsite knowledge is required. 
There will be one assignment per week that asks students to use their strategies in a real-life based application or gives resources students can use.
Learner progress is evaluated via participation and completion in discussion.


Week of April 15, 2024: Class 1: Students will discuss what happens in the body when we get angry. They will complete a worksheet on their own that shows where the body holds anger. We will talk about how to recognize feelings of frustration and label them. We will use a 'mine-craft type of image to connect body responses for students. 

Week of April 22, 2024: Class 2: Students will learn about the "5 breath vacation" and create a "hand model" using construction paper, string and straws. We will talk about how to stop "popping our lids" when we are stressed. We will introduce mindful practices such as deep breathing and focusing on sensory input when stressed.

Week of April 29, 2024: Class 3: Students will learn about "mind bubbles" and make their own bubbly solution using dish soap, water and table sugar/corn syrup and a straw. Instructions and ingredients will be available in the classroom one week prior to this activity. 

Week of May 6, 2024: Class 4: Students will learn about how we can use DISTRACT and play to help cool off our anger/frustration. They will read a short story and complete comprehension activities related to the story. They will create their own relaxation script to help when they are feeling stressed.

Week of May 13, 2024: Class 5: Students will learn about "Operation Joy" and will listen to a short story about how to turn frustration into positive thoughts. They will create a calming bottle using water, glue, glitter, and a recycled water bottle. 

Week of May 20, 2024: Class 6: Students will learn about the "Anger Volcano" and they will read a short story and create a volcano using water, dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda.

The activities we do in class are demonstrated by the teacher and then students are given the opportunity to participate if they wish. Instructions and ingredients required will be put into the classroom 1 week,prior to the activity.