We continue to be asked which social emotional learning (SEL) program is best for children and the answer is there isn’t one. We need to be begin with mindfulness and modeling. SEL has to be integrated into ours and our children’s lives. In a time where few of us can think of one more thing […]
People all over the world are worried about Covid-19. On top of that, families working and learning at home has added to our anxiety we are feeling. We know tension can be contagious, but there is good news! Here is a list of things you can do to take care of your body, your mind […]
I am seeing a lot of parents posting questions on how to stop all day grazing, but healthy eating involves small planned portions! My favorite lesson in mindfulness is mindful eating. During our teacher trainings, who doesn’t want to savor a small piece of dark chocolate for a few minutes during professional development? But kids […]
Activity: What Did You See? Directions: Put an item in the center of the room. Place children in a circle around the room so they all have a different but clear view. Give them a few minutes to quietly study the item. Encourage them to focus on small details. Taking turns around the circle, each […]
For years now, we have been aware of stress invading our homes, schools and workplaces. Our students are at risk. We also know that Adverse Childhood Experiences can cause Toxic Stress, which can lead to long-term health issues. Our first line of protecting our students needs to be to reduce the source of stress through […]
There is a positive energy after returning from break! The New Year is a great time to focus on the Social Emotional Learning component: Responsible Decision Making. New Year intentions, or a one-word focus, is on decision many of us tackle. Goals and bucket lists are other activities we look at this time of year. […]
From my days as a student, to a long-time educator, I will never outgrow the first day of school excitement. As back to school nears, I have restless nights, to-do lists, shopping lists (which comes with a price tag) and feel the summer days slip away. I spend time setting up the class environment to […]
Developing a Personal Statement or Mantra. Adding mindfulness to movement can be difficult for anyone. We are asked to focus on our breath while remembering the basics of a yoga pose. Thoughts will pop into our heads and we are told to acknowledge them and breathe them out. Thoughts like, “I am not that flexible!”, […]
With more and more states implementing Social and Emotional Learning standards (SEL), we as educators should be excited. However, many teachers I have talked to are concerned about the when and how of adding these standards to their curriculum. The report from a Nation of Risk to a Nation of Hope states, “The promotion of […]
When I was young, I imagined coming down the stairs after putting my children to bed and relaxing, as I remember my mom doing. That day came and I have truly enjoyed every minute of the day being a parent. Not to say there weren’t tough days, but that comes with the territory. It is […]
