With the guidance of Ms. Meyers, we have been learning about the Zones of Regulation. Over the past few months our students have learned strategies to self-regulate and have emotional control. Throughout our day, we use the terms "expected" and "unexpected" to guide us through activities. For an example, it is expected for you to yell, run around and get excited when you're out at recess, but that behavior wouldn't be expected while we were in class. We have also learned calming techniques, thinking strategies and how to use sensory supports to stay focused.
Today Ms. Meyers helped us think about our "Inner Coach" and our "Inner Critic." When times get tough, it can be easy to give into our inner critics and give up. We shared stories of hard times such as running laps during the jog-a-thon, completing writing assignments, enduring a math problem, working in a group and cleaning our rooms. We all face hard times again and again. With the help of our inner coach, we can attain goals and keep going. The students drew a picture of their inner coach and inner critics to better visualize when these voices are in action. We know the The Little Blue Engine said, "I think I can, I think I can..." What is your mantra?
Teaching the students to have emotional control is beneficial for any age! So often as Ms. Meyers is teaching the Zones of Regulation or as I'm leading class meetings, I reflect on how I can better handle situations when I feel stressed. I think of nights when we're all tired and getting my kids to bed is the opposite of fun or times when I'm trying to rush my family out the door and our words get louder and harsher. Getting into the yellow or red zone does not feel good and before I get there, I try to utilize what we teach our kids to do! I love my job for so many reasons and being part of helping kids have the awareness and learn these strategies from an early age is crucial. There has been ParentNet meetings that address these topics and resources are posted on the QAE website ("The School- Learning Environment & QAE ParentNet). Working at QAE where we encourage each other to learn more and care about our social well-being has been a huge reason why I teach here. Thank you for sending such thriving children my way each morning. I sure love this class and the thoughtful and caring spirits they hold.
Yesterday while I was hanging out with my daughters, my three-year-old said out of the blue, "Mommy, I smell lollipops in my heart." I just had to stop and hug her as I love her view on life. May we continue to smell lollipops and think about rainbows and unicorns!
Teaching the students to have emotional control is beneficial for any age! So often as Ms. Meyers is teaching the Zones of Regulation or as I'm leading class meetings, I reflect on how I can better handle situations when I feel stressed. I think of nights when we're all tired and getting my kids to bed is the opposite of fun or times when I'm trying to rush my family out the door and our words get louder and harsher. Getting into the yellow or red zone does not feel good and before I get there, I try to utilize what we teach our kids to do! I love my job for so many reasons and being part of helping kids have the awareness and learn these strategies from an early age is crucial. There has been ParentNet meetings that address these topics and resources are posted on the QAE website ("The School- Learning Environment & QAE ParentNet). Working at QAE where we encourage each other to learn more and care about our social well-being has been a huge reason why I teach here. Thank you for sending such thriving children my way each morning. I sure love this class and the thoughtful and caring spirits they hold.
Yesterday while I was hanging out with my daughters, my three-year-old said out of the blue, "Mommy, I smell lollipops in my heart." I just had to stop and hug her as I love her view on life. May we continue to smell lollipops and think about rainbows and unicorns!