Last updated on August 26, 2025
In my first visit with 1st-5th graders, I introduce a "Learner Mindset" and a personal "High Five." A Learner Mindset is a set of affirmations designed to help students believe in themselves. Other terms associated with a Learner Mindset could include "Positive Self-Talk" and an "Inner Coach", all of which contribute to a positive attitude towards self and others. While I did not explicitly teach about a "Growth Mindset", there are connections to this concept too.
A personal High Five includes 1) something that helps you relax/calm down, 2) supportive people, 3) an enjoyable place, 4) an enjoyable activity, and 5) a special skill. A personal High Five can help students develop and use coping skills, a reoccurring theme.
In my second visit with 1st-5th grade students I plan to focus on Zones of Regulation. As early as possible in the school, I want to make sure students are familiar with the basic verbiage and can identify self-regulation strategies or "tools."
Here is a link to some of their Free Resources
Being Kind Again and Again - grades K - 2
Make Kindness the Norm - grades 3 - 5
Telling vs. Tattling
Rumors and Gossip
Problems are Opportunities
It's Okay to Make Mistakes
Zones of Regulation - CH & LE
Zones of Regulation - UE
Solving Problems with our Upstairs Brain
When Our Brain Has Flipped Its Lid
Riding the Waves of Emotion
Getting from Red to Green
Confidence
Positive Self-Talk
Finding Courage
Calm Corners
Being Thankful Can Actually Make Us Happier
Bully Lesson #1: Putting a STOP to Online Meanness - CH & LE
Bully Lesson #1: The Power of Words - UE
Bully Lesson #3: Talk, Walk, Help - Using "I" statements to solve problems - CH & LE
Bully Lesson #3: T.H.I.N.K. Before You Speak - UE
Bully Lesson #4: Bully Beans - grades K-2
Bully Lesson #4: Being an "Upstander" - grades 3-5
Bully Lesson #5: Empathy in Action - grades K-2
Bully Lesson #5: Look Inside - Developing Empathy - grades 3-5