Mrs. Maichel's Virtual Math Classroom

PLTW Family Letter for Environmental Changes

Learning to identify and regulate emotions can be difficult for some children. "Whether they are on the noisy bus, trying to focus in class, feeling left out in the cafeteria, or scoring a homerun in a kickball game, they experience a wide range of feelings in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy. During a school assembly, they learn that all those high, low, and in-between feelings fit into four colored Zones. The Zones of Regulation gives them an easy way to talk and think about their feelings and the connection to what their bodies are feeling and doing. When a fire alarm sends everyone reeling in different ways, the kids have a perfect opportunity to reflect on the ups and downs of their day and see how they were in different Zones at different times. Best of all, they realize that all Zones—and all feelings—are okay and learning to recognize and understand them are the first steps on The Road to Regulation."

In our first week back, I am going to find time to allow the children to explore their triggers for different emotional states and find coping mechanisms that work for them and are acceptable to use in the classroom. Every child can learn and perform to their full potential when all of their social, emotional and academic needs are met.