Suggested activities can be repeated! And, you can choose what to enjoy during any week! These are suggestions and I hope you enjoy them!

Social Emotional Learning During School Closure 4.13.2020

Kindergarten

Watch “Know and Follow Rules” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLY2w9XUEmM

Ask your child, “Why do we have rules; How are the rules the same at home and How are they different?”

Visit GoNoodle https://www.gonoodle.com/

or visit ZenDen https://www.cosmickids.com/tag/zen-den/

Watch The Biscotti Kid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6FDts-erVw

Ask your child, “What rules did you learn from watching The Biscotti Kid?”

Practice your “I messages” when situations arise.

“I feel….

When....

Because…

I want….”

For example, if a sibling borrows a toy without asking, say, “I feel frustrated when you take my toys without asking because it is special to me. I want you to ask first because most of the time I will share my toys with you.”

Practice the Compassion Hug Sit in a comfortable position with both feet on the floor; stretch your arms out to the side and take a deep breath in; when blowing out the breath, wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a hug; pat yourself on the back and repeat two more times.

And/or watch “Joy and Lucky Carp” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wFLWJ8MG4

Feel free to talk with your child about the story and the story elements. At the Kindergarten level, in most cases, your child will need help answering questions. These are just samples to start the conversation.

For example, but not limited to: Tell your child, “This is a story about helping others.” Ask, “What is your favorite part? Who is the main character? What can we learn from this story?”

First Grade

Mindfulness Exercise: Compassion Hug Sit in a comfortable position with both feet on the floor; stretch your arms out to the side and take a deep breath in; when blowing out the breath, wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a hug; pat yourself on the back; make a kind wish for yourself or give yourself a compliment and repeat two more times.

Watch “Joy and Lucky Carp” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wFLWJ8MG4 Feel free to talk with your child about the story and the story elements. Ask your child whether they made any connections with the characters in the story. Feel free to tell your child, “This is a story about using the skills we are good at to help others.” Ask, “What is your favorite part? Who is the main character? What can we learn from this story?”

Visit Zen Den, a family friendly mindfulness program https://www.cosmickids.com/tag/zen-den/

Practice your “I messages” when situations arise.

“I feel….

When....

Because…

I want….”

For example, if a sibling borrows a toy without asking, say, “I feel frustrated when you take my toys without asking because it is special to me. I want you to ask first because most of the time I will share my toys with you.”

Second Grade

Watch It's Okay to be Different - Read by Sherry

Help your child reflect: “What makes me unique and special? What am I good at; What do I enjoy doing in my spare time?” Have them think of a time when differences between friends became clear. Think about your family, what makes your family special? What holidays do you enjoy together? Talk with your children about any number of ways the family and even the individuals in the family are unique.

Watch “Joy and Lucky Carp” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wFLWJ8MG4 Feel free to talk with your child about the story and the story elements. This is a story about what happens when we use our unique qualities to help one another. Feel free to talk with your child about other aspects of the story you found important. Such as, we don’t always know right away whether the actions we took to help someone actually did help.

Visit ZenDen

and /or practice using your imaginary breathing ball. Put your hands together and then pull them apart as you breathe in and then put your hands back together as you breathe out. Practice this at least three times.