Remote Learning

Coping with Anxiety

With schools closed, we know you want to want to support your child's emotional wellbeing in addition to academics. This can be as simple as adding a quick breathing break to your morning schedule, or guided relaxation just before bed.

Whatever you choose, know that you are boosting your own wellness too!

Consider these options:

• 15 ways to help kids who are worried about Coronavirus
• Try a brief Loving-Kindness Meditation (6 minutes)
• Listen to the Safe House Chill Pill for Calm (2 minutes)
• Recipe for soothing homemade playdough
• Make a visual reminder for facing fears
• Ask your child to teach you "5 Finger Breathing" or watch this guided video together (4 minutes)
• Make a list of the worries we can't control and "Let It Go"
• Choose a Your Peaceful Place guided relaxation (created by a Pocopson parent! Your Magic Treehouse is a favorite)

Kindergarten

Our classroom lessons have ended for the year, but there are PLENTY of ways to extend learning at home. Our kindergarten curriculum focuses on how to think in social situations ("social thinking"). What are the thoughts and feelings of others? What kinds of thoughts am I having about them?

Here are some simple ways to practice:

• Ask your child to show you "Whole Body Listening" (listening with their eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet)
• Discuss how Whole Body Listening involves the brain (thinking about what others are saying) and heart (caring about their words)
• Praise your child for following the "group plan" rather than their own plan during family activities
• Read "Whole Body Listening Larry at School" and "Whole Body Listening Larry at Home" by Elizabeth Sautter and Kristen Wilson
• Practice how to "stop and think" using these fun games

First Grade

While our classroom lessons on feelings and friendship are complete, there are lots of fun ways to continue our learning.

Consider these ideas:

• Print and complete "My Friends Are..." activity with qualities we want in a friend (kindness, humor, loyalty, generosity)
• Listen to Enemy Pie by Derek Munson and complete a friendship recipe
• Finish the sentence: "When I feel ___________ , I can ___________." (Example: "When I feel nervous, I can take 3 deep breaths.")
• Review these awesome resources for helping kids manage anger
• Feeling sad or lonely during this separation from friends and family is normal! Make a connected hearts drawing to recognize we're always connected.
• Talk with kids about why feelings are useful, and work to keep us healthy and safe. For more ideas about coping with big emotions, check out this article!

Second Grade

We are currently in the midst of our guidance lessons on problem-solving and bullying. Please continue these important conversations at home in the following ways:

• Ask your child, "What is the beautiful thing inside of every problem?" (answer: an opportunity)
• Share times you have shown empathy for others, and point out when you notice your child display this important quality
• In moments of conflict, we can choose how to react. Create a Wheel of Choice to remember what to do!
• Use this simple problem solving outline anytime issues arise
• Watch "I'm Here" and discuss the ending quote, "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
• Play games that require problem-solving skills and cooperation (check out this list of ideas)