Mini-Lesson: Managing Stress

 The end of the school year can be a stressful time.  Today let's learn about stress and how to manage it!  First watch this Health Science video for kids about stress.  

Now watch my video mini-lesson!

Follow Up Activities:

• Stress can be helpful.  Write or talk to someone about a time that stress actually helped you get something done or try something new.

• Here is a list of the strategies Mrs. G recommends when your stress level is high.  Which strategies work for you when you feel stressed?  Draw or write about them!
• Take some deep breaths or use a breathing strategy like square breathing.
• Check in with yourself.  What is your stress level?
• Make a list of the things that are causing you stress.  This could end up being a to-do list that can help you organize your time.
• Make time for stress relief!  Examples:
• Time outside
• Exercise
• Reading or writing
• Drawing or music
• Time with friends or family
• Give yourself kind messages! Examples:
• "I am doing the best I can!"
• "One thing at a time."
• "I got this!"
• Talk to an adult that you trust about your stress.  This may involve problem solving or taking things off your plate.  

Mini-Lesson: Be a Friend!

 It's so important to have strong, healthy relationships with our classmates.  Having friends helps us to feel connected and makes school even more fun!  

Today watch this video about friendship soup first and then watch my mini-lesson!

Now check out my mini-lesson!

Follow Up Activity:

• Write a recipe for friendship or for being a good classmate.

• You could also choose to write a poem.  

• How have you been a good friend and classmate recently? Think, write, share!

• In what area of friendship could you improve?  Think, write, share!

Mini-Lesson: A Strong Finish

 It's been a year of challenges.  We have needed to be flexible and adapt.  For many of us, the last few weeks of school will bring more changes.  How can we ensure a strong end to our school year?

Follow-Up Activity:

• Identify how you want the last few weeks of school to feel for you.  Write them down.  What thoughts and actions will help create those positive feelings that you identified?  Write them down too and make a plan to use the self-talk and actions daily!

Mrs. G's Plan 

Worksheet Download from TPT (for teacher and parent use)

Mini-Lesson: Testing Tips

Students in grades 1st through 4th are taking the NWEA assessment this week.  Today's lesson gives some quick tips on how to do your best without too much stress.  Scaredy Squirrel makes a quest appearance!

 Follow-Up Activities:

• I forgot to follow up with Scaredy during our video!  He found our mini-lesson very helpful and was able to calmly take his reading assessment.  He reminded himself that the test is just a snap-shot of who he is as a learner.  He told himself that he would stay calm, focused, and do his best.  What positive thoughts can you tell yourself before an assessment?  

• When Scaredy got to a long paragraph in the reading assessment he noticed some worried and stressed feelings in himself.  He stopped to try the balloon breathing and he took a 30 second vacation (in his mind) to his favorite spot in the forest.  What strategy will you try if you notice yourself getting stressed or worried?  
  
  
  
• Having a growth mindset is SO important during assessments.  It is TOTALLY OKAY if we get to a problem that we don't understand or know how to do YET.  Learning is not a race or a competition.  We are all stretching and growing our brains every day.  If you are not sure of the answer, take a smart guess and move on.  Check out this read aloud to learn more about building a "Bubble Gum Brain".  

Mini-Lesson- Back to it!!!

 I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing April vacation!  Today I am going to give you two quick tips on transitioning back to school after a vacation week.

Follow Up Activities:

• Give yourself permission to ease back into the routine of school.  How can you help yourself to do that?  Ideas:  take one thing at a time, take some deep breaths or mindfulness breaks, give yourself some positive self talk.
• What routines have you created that help you have a positive and productive school week?  Write them down! Here is mine:
• Wake up early.
• Do a 5 minute meditation while my coffee brews.
• Drink coffee while journaling or reading.
• Do a 30 minute workout
• Play outside with my kids after school (basketball, tag, trampoline)
• Have my sleepy time tea around 7:30pm.  Straighten up the house and get things ready for the next day.
• Read a book in bed.
• Go to sleep to nighttime mediation.  

    

Mini-Lesson: Empathy and April Vacation

 I'm so excited to share one of my favorite books with you, Last Stop On Market Street by Matt De La Pena.  I think this story has some messages that could help us have an enjoyable April Vacation, no matter what plans we may (or may not) have.

Follow Up Activity:

• It's easy to get frustrated and jealous when we focus on things that other people have that we don't have.  Let's spend a little time focused on the things that we feel lucky to have in our lives.  Write a list of things that you have or are able to do that you feel grateful for.  

• Let's allow think about how we want to spend April vacation.  How can we spend our time in a way that makes ourselves and other people feel good?  Write or share your ideas!

• Check out my mini-lesson from last Spring where I gave April Vacation at home ideas!  https://pondcoveguidance.blogspot.com/2020/04/mini-lesson-25-making-april-vacation.html

Mini-Lesson- Exploring Mrs. G's Calming Room

 Today I am going to share an exciting resource with you, my calming room.  I'll give you a tour on my mini-lesson and then share it below for you to explore on your own.

Follow Up Activity:

• Explore my calming room on your own.  Learn more about the zones of regulations.  Identify 2-3 tools that might help you get back in the green zone, which means you are calm and ready to learn!

Mini-Lesson- Solving Small Problems (Kelso Review)

Today we are going to continue thinking like problem solvers.  Our friend Kelso, world renowned problem solving frog, is here to help.  

Follow Up Activities:

• Are you having any small problems with classmates or siblings?  Think about how Red and Yellow worked out their issue and come up with a compromise that might help solve your problem.  

• Want to learn more about Kelso's Choices?  Check out this mini-lesson from last Spring! https://pondcoveguidance.blogspot.com/2020/03/mini-lesson-8-what-size-is-your-problem.html

Did you catch the April fools Joke?  It isn't really beach day today!  How do you think kids are going to react when they see me today?  I love a fun, playful April fools joke.  

• How can you make today fun and humorous?  Make sure to be thoughtful about your jokes.  Jokes should be fun for EVERYONE involved.  They should not make anyone feel sad or unsafe.  
• We also need to think about the timing of our jokes.  If someone is upset, they probably are not in the mood for a joke.  If we are in the middle of a lesson or project it's probably not the best time.  Laughter is good for the mind and body.  I hope you are able to find reasons to smile and laugh today!

Mini-Lesson: Frustration Tolerance

 Today I have come to you in disguise to talk about frustration tolerance and how you can help yourself manage the challenges and small problems that come your way.  

Follow Up Activities:

• What things have you built into your day that help you "turn down the heat" and build your frustration tolerance?  Examples: regular exercise, building with legos, mindfulness, time in nature

• What are the strategies you use to deescalate (calm yourself down and get control back) when you notice that you are upset, angry, or frustrated?  Examples: take a deep breath, go for a walk, take a break and cuddle with a stuffy 

• Check out this lesson that I did last spring about recognizing and responding to anger.  https://pondcoveguidance.blogspot.com/2020/04/mini-lesson-27-angry-feelings.html

• Want to learn more about Scaredy Squirrel?  Check out this lesson from the Spring! https://pondcoveguidance.blogspot.com/2020/03/mini-lesson-3-scaredy-squirrel.html

Mini-Lesson: Using Your Social Filter

 In the last lesson we talked about being a problem solver.  Today we will be talking about how using our SOCIAL FILTER can help us to be a better problem solver and have better relationships.  

Follow Up Activity:

• Check out this read aloud by Julia Cook of I Can't Believe You Said That!

• Can you think of a time when used your social filter?  What happened? Write about it or tell someone how you effectively used your social filter.

• Can you think of a time when you didn't use your social filter?  What happened?  If you had used your social filter what do you think you would have said or done instead?

• Keep an eye on your thoughts and remember to turn on your social filter.  Give yourself credit for using your social filter and notice the positive consequences! 

Mini-Lesson- Being a Problem Solver!

 Join me in a problem solving journey on todays mini-lesson!

Follow Up Activities:

• What are some problems that have come up recently for you?  Talk to someone about them, write them down, or draw a picture.

• How did the problem make you feel?  What did you do to help you to stay calm?

• What solutions did you come up with?  Did they work?

• Celebrate your amazing problem solving!  Do something kind for yourself!  

Mini-Lesson- Mae Among the Stars

I hope you will enjoy this awesome story Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed.  Huge thanks to HarperCollins Publishing for allowing me to read this to you!  We will be using this amazing book to talk about bias. 

Follow Up Actives:

• Why do you think the other students laughed when Mae said that she wanted to be an astronaunt?  Why did her teacher suggested that she be a nurse instead?  Do you think they had a bias about who can and should become an astronaut?

• Need help understanding what bias means?  Check out this video!  Why is it important to be aware and careful about our biases?  

• What do you dream of doing or accomplishing?  Draw it or write about it!  Don't let anyone tell you it isn't possible!  

Mini-Lesson: February Is Black History Month!

 Today's mini-lesson is about Black History Month.  I'll be using the book Parker Looks Up by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry to talk about the importance of representation and including the stories and achievements of people of color in history and current events.  Please also check out the PBS Kids video about Black History Month!

Now Watch:  PBS Kids- Black History Month 

Follow Up Activity:

• Answer this question in your own words (either written or verbally): Why do we celebrate Black History Month?  

• Look for my next mini-lesson where we learn about black Americans who have had a positive impact.  

Mini-Lesson- Showing Kindness to Yourself!

 Happy Great Kindness Challenge!  I hope you are throwing around kind words and actions like confetti!  It's so important to show kindness to others and it's also essential that we show kindness to ourselves.  Mrs. O'Neill is going to lead us in another beautiful meditation.  Practicing mindfulness is an amazing way to show ourselves the kindness we all deserve!  

Follow Up Activities:

• Think about the acts of kindness that you have already participated in this week.

• Think about how others have shown you kindness.

• Come up with 3 ways to show yourself kindness.  Do at least one of the today!

Mini-Lesson- The Great Kindness Challenge!

 Did you know that this week is the Great Kindness Challenge?!  Learn more about the challenge and how to participate!  I'll also be reading my favorite kindness story, The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.  

Follow Up Activities: 

• Watch the Great Kindness Challenge kickoff video:

• Dance along and be inspired by the song, Kindness is a Muscle!  

• Create your own plan to spread kindness and get to it!  Notice the ways that kindness comes back to you! 

Mindfulness With Your School Counselors!

 Happy Wednesday!  Mrs. O'Neill led an amazing mindfulness activity on Zoom this morning.  We decided to share it with everyone!  Show yourself some kindness today and join me in this "Sipping Rainbow" mediation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTPy-s-A3jA&feature=youtu.be

Recognizing and Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

Are you excited for a long weekend?  Me too!  I hope you take time to connect with your family, play outside, and do things that bring you joy.  I also hope that you spend some time celebrating the reason for our holiday on Monday.  I hope that this weekend you take time to celebrate the work and influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   Through his leadership and peaceful protests, Dr. King helped bring attention and change to issues of justice and fairness.  He saw that black and brown children and adults did not have access to the same opportunities as white children and adults.  Dr. King spoke up and brought about positive change.  Our lives today have been positively impacted by his work but there is still work to be done to make sure all people, regardless of their skin color, are treated fairly.  Please use the resources below to learn more about Dr. King and find ways to celebrate this important American.  

• Register to attend the 40th Annual Martine Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance
• Attend the session The Dr. King Legacy: Kid's Edition from 10:00-11:00am on January 18th.
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• Sign up for a virtual book reading:  2021 King Holiday “LOVE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH” A VIRTUAL BOOK READING (Saturday, January 16th at 11:00am)

• Watch a video about Dr. King created by our Middle School Civil Rights Team

As a part of their exploration of Civil Rights, the Cape Elizabeth Middle School Civil Rights Team created the video below.  It celebrates Dr. King's life and helps our community better understand why we recognize Dr. King's contributions to history with the upcoming national holiday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhoFR-Ke7iA&feature=youtu.be

• Watch The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE

• Check out some of Dr. King's famous quotes.  Choose one to print out or copy on paper and create art (a picture, comic strip, sculpture) inspired by the Dr, King quote of that you choose. 

• Inspired by Martin Luther King?  Check out this read aloud that talks about how you can "be a King" too!  Write or draw about how you will make positive change in our world.  How can you be like Dr. King?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKZwphcwZfE

For Parents: How to Talk About Martin Luther King Jr. With Your Children

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/teaching-kids-about-martin-luther-king-jr.html

Mini Lesson #22- 2021 Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions

 Happy New Year!  We know that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected and impact each other.  Today we are going to make a plan for how we will use all of these to help ourselves have a positive year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlZgSkkGkqw&feature=youtu.be

Follow Up Activity:

• Create a visual of the thoughts, feelings, and actions you plan to focus on for 2021.  How do you want to feel this year?  What thoughts will you use to keep yourself positive?  What actions will you take that help you be your best self?  

• Consider sharing these with Mrs. G! 

Mrs. G's  Example

Bonus Lesson: Mrs. G's Snow Day Challenge!

 Yesterday we talked about making choices that can help you feel better and have more positive thinking.  A snow day is a perfect opportunity to make choices that fill your bucket with joy (even if we do have some remote learning to do too)!  

Take my snow day challenge!  How many of these "feel good" snow day activities can you accomplish today?

• Find a cozy spot in your house to watch the snow fall.  Spend at least a full minute just sitting, breathing, and watching the snow.

• Get that snow gear on, go outside, and build something with that snow!  Bonus points if you send Mrs. G a picture of you with your creation!  

• Find a good book, a cosy blanket, something warm to drink, and curl up and read!  Need a winter book?  Check out the read alouds below!

• Bake or cook something with your family!

• Do something kind.  Need ideas?  Check out Thomas Memorial Library's Do Good December Challenge .

• Play a card game or board game with someone in your family.  Team Gallagher loves Monopoly Deal and Uno!  

• Do a snow day craft!  I think we are going to try making these coffee filter snowflakes!  

• Look in the mirror and tell yourself how amazing, strong, and gorgeous you are!  Because IT IS TRUE!  You are awesome and I adore you.  Enjoy your snow day!  

Snow day read aloud! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmZCQfeWjeQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VApUD59D4g

Mini-Lesson #21- Calming Choices

 We have been talking about the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Today we focus in on our actions and identify choices that will help us to feel calm and in control.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGSgXJ1Iwyo&feature=youtu.be

Follow Up Activities:

• Sometimes when we are struggling we make choices that hurt ourselves or hurt people around us.  We get angry and we may choose to yell at a family member.  We feel sad and we choose to isolate ourselves, we pull away from the people who can help us.  Think about the choices that you may make when you are dealing with tough feelings that may actually be making things worse for you.

• Choose something else!  Now identify choices that you can make that will help you deal with difficult feelings in a healthy way.  Here are some ideas:
• Talk to someone about what you are feeling and going through
• Go outside or get some exercise
• Take a breath, do a meditation, or use a mindfulness tool 
• Cuddle with a pet, stuffy, or family member
• Journal, create art, listen or make music

• Notice how these new, healthier actions impact your feelings and your thoughts.  I hope you notice a positive change!  

• Want more!  Check out the reboot strategy jar lesson from the spring.  https://pondcoveguidance.blogspot.com/2020/04/mini-lesson-18-reboot.html