Ms. Jenna's Virtual School Counseling
Hi students and families! Here are some resources for activities to spark social-emotional learning while you're at home! It's not only important to keep up with your academics, but also practice strategies that will help you cope with life's circumstances, understand your emotions, and ultimately love yourself and others!
Emotional Health
Do things that don't involve the screen!
Make a Gratitude Jar: Think about the people, places and experiences in your life you are thankful for. Write a new appreciation down every day and place it in your gratitude jar. If you want, share your statements with your family.
Make a Calm Down Jar: Use warm water, glitter glue, food coloring, and any other glitter. It is soothing and a great relaxation tool.
Make a Stress Ball: Fill a balloon with flour, rice, orbeez, or play-dough using a small funnel and double wrap it with another balloon.
Conversation Starters for Kids and Families
Feelings Chart & Sentence Starters
Sentence Starters:
Today was special because...
I appreciate (person) because...
Something I accomplished today was...
Something I like about my family is...
Three people who make me happy are...
Something that makes me smile is...
I was proud of myself today because...
Something I am grateful for is...
Need a pick-me-up? Watch this video about how kindness is contagious!
10 Tips on How to Maintain a Routine of Kindness During Difficult Times:
Have a sleep schedule and manage hygiene! Getting enough (continuous) sleep is so important! Shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, wear something other than pajamas (even though they are so comfy!) and include bright colors in your daily wardrobe.
Do good for others! When we help others and increase altruistic behavior, we are doing good for ourselves.
Get outside. Go for a walk. Play frisbee. Plant some flowers. Try to go for at least 30 minutes. If you can’t go outside, open the windows. Get fresh air and sunshine.
Connect with others. Use your phone or apps like FaceTime, Skype or Zoom to talk with family and friends. Share how you’re feeling and actively listen to others when they share how they are feeling.
Spend a little extra time with your family and/or pets. This is a great time to build stronger connections with those around you.
Drink lots of water! Eat healthy.
Develop a self-care plan for yourself. Listen to music you love, write in your journal, or read a book. When was the last time you colored something? Get out the crayons and markers! Take a long warm bath. Start a craft project. Organize a room. Whatever feels good to you… do it and pat yourself on the back for taking care of yourself.
Be kind. Everyone is doing their best right now. It is easy to be judgmental of how others are handling this challenging time, but know that we all operate a little differently. Notice all the good things happening in the world right now. There are a ton of great things… just do a search online for “good news during Covid-19” and you’ll find a lot!
Find a reason to smile every day.
Be grateful. There is SO MUCH to be grateful for right now. Practicing gratitude builds resilience and helps us through the toughest times. Find three things every day that you are grateful for and write them down. Put the lists in a jar and look at your lists months from now to remind you of all the little reasons you were able to get through this period.
Check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation!