Consider checking in with your child daily to see how they are feeling.  At school, we ask, "Where are you on the Mood Meter right now?"  The Mood Meter helps students identify and name emotions.  During our morning meetings, students will learn strategies for managing their emotions and moving around the mood meter (to a more pleasant quadrant). 

As students grow their social skills, it is essential that they learn strong problem-solving skills.  The skills they learn now will benefit them throughout their lives.  At Des Moines Elementary, students learn about "Kelso's Choices" - a set of strategies they can use to solve small problems.  Students practice these strategies through role-playing and class discussions.  They are encouraged to try using two of Kelso's Choices to solve small problems, and if that doesn't work, they should get help from an adult to solve the problem.   

Students are taught to identify what type of problem they are experiencing (small, big).  They learn that if the problem is "big," they need to tell an adult right away.  There are several adult monitors out during recess and during lunch to help if big problems arise, or if students need assistance using Kelso's Choices for small problems.