ACTIVITIES

Pink Bubble

Sit in a circle with backs straight, hands resting on knees. Students can sit criss cross or with knees bent, feet under their bottoms. Encourage students to close their eyes, think about a disappointment or a feeling that is bothering them. Instruct students to imagine putting that thought into the pink bubble. With eyes still closed, watch the bubble float away saying a silent wish as it disappears.

Friendly wishes for difficult people

Sit in a circle. Encourage participants to close their eyes. Have students think of a person they find difficult to be around, but would like to wish well. Use guided visualization: "imagine that you feel happy. Imagine that you're smiling, laughing, and having fun. Don't worry if you don't feel happy right now. Just picture yourself laughing, hanging out with friends, or doing something that you love to do. Then in your own words, silently say something like this: I want to be happy. I want to be healthy and strong. I want to be safe. I want to feel lots of love. I want to feel content and peaceful. Bring back the image of the person you find difficult, but whom you'd like to wish well. remember, you don't need to change your feelings toward them. In your own words, silently say something like this: I want you to be healthy and content. I hope that you're safe and feel peaceful. Choose words and good wishes that you're comfortable saying and repeat them silently.

Throw it away

Save this for when your classroom is feeling trust and safety. Students sit in a circle. Say, "we all have insecurities, these are negative beliefs about ourselves. We often keep these insecurities to ourselves and grow them and feel shame from them. When we share our insecurities, we realize that we aren't alone." Explain that students will write one of their insecurities or worries on a slip of paper. On the count of three everyone throws them away, but tossing them into the middle of the circle. You can stop there if your space doesn't feel safe. Otherwise, have each student pick up a random slip of paper. Go around the room reading the insecurities that live in your classroom. Debrief: How did it feel to write your insecurity down? to throw it away? to hear the worries and insecurities of your peers?

Counting Breaths

Sit in a circle with a straight back, criss cross works well or sitting with knees bent, bottom resting on heels. Close eyes if you feel safe enough to do so. Breath in naturally and silently say "one" in your mind. Then, as you breathe out, relax your forehead. Breath in and say "two" in your mind. Then, relax your shoulders as you breath out. Again, say "three" silently. Relax your stomach. Again, say "four" silently. Relax your hips. "Now let's try it again. Slowly breath in and out counting as you go. We'll count to 10 silently to ourselves." Processing: How easy was it to focus only on your breathe? Often other thoughts come into our heads when we're practicing. This is normal. Just allow your brain to accept those thoughts and regain focus. Let's try again.