From working with our students, we know how this time can create big feelings of worry, frustration, anger, fear, depression and much more. Just like when we are in school, we are here to support you and your student's needs through tools and techniques that can help calm the body and mind, problem-solve, and use critical thinking to help grow positive mindsets. Please find below several tools to address different needs. These tools are meant to be fun, interactive, and enlightening to increase positive behaviors and feelings. They are also fun for parents to join in and do with your kids too!
Here are some relaxation videos with soothing music and natural noises that can help calm our mind and bodies. Listen to these videos while doing homework, sitting calming on the ground with our eyes closed, or while trying to rest. These meditation breaks can help clear the mind and body of undue stress and worry. I even listened to them while creating our Tree House Resources for you all to enjoy!
Play dough or putty are great tools to use while working, playing, or just relaxing. These sensory tools can help our students calm down, focus, relieve stress, and be a built-in sensory exercise throughout the day. Due to our limited ability to leave the home, here is a quick video on how to create your own play dough without going to the store. This can also be a fun activity to do with your student and take a break from being bored inside.
We've all seen them. Most of us have been mesmerized by them. So let's make them! Here is another quick video on how to make calming jars at home. It's simpler than you think!
In this video there are 3 types of possible jars to make. No glue, no problem! Add fun little trinkets and colors to your jars to create a relaxing tool that can be enjoyed endlessly. Quick tip: super glue the tops in place to keep for a tight seal and maintaining the jar's contents stay intact. Also you can use a variety of plastic bottles around the house, not just the ones shown. Pro tip: use plastic bottles to ensure safety, as glass can break easily.
Movement is beneficial for all of us, whether it's jumping around to our favorite song to quiet and focused movements with our body through yoga. Students, try this quick and easy to follow video on yoga. I bet you will not only enjoy the time spent, but you may even have a few laughs along the way. Yoga is a great way to shift our mindset when we get stuck on a problem. It helps relax our mind and bodies to where we can get unstuck and move forward with our day.
This is a great exercise to practice at home. Through this activity we can learn to control our breathing, slow down, and focus. Breathing strategies often become useful during times of stress or anxiety, and can be extremely helpful during learning times. Take a moment and follow along to see if guided breathing is a useful tool for you.
Quick tip: this exercise might be useful before getting on a classroom Google Hangout. Feelings of nervousness or anxiety while being on a video call are expected, most of us have those feelings. Trying a relaxation strategy before and after can really help us work through those feelings. Give it a try next time.
Theraputty
Play dough
Calming Jars
Fidgets
Legos
Stuffed animals
Squishy ball
Cutting shapes with scissors and construction paper
Kinetic sand
Drawing/coloring
Journal for feelings/drawing
When we give our students a space to take a break and shift their focus from their upsetting moments it helps with their overall well-being. Promoting this space in your home during this time can have a significant, positive impact on your student's functioning, mental health, and overall happiness. We hope you find these tools and resources useful, and we will continue to add additional resources and strategies throughout the coming weeks.