How do you train a puppy that wanders away? You can scold and yell and smack that puppy down and raise an angry dog. Or you can bring it back with kindness and patience, and raise a peaceful, happy dog. When your mind wanders away and begins to worry, bring it back with kindness and patience. Acknowledge the object of worry and stress, then release it and bring yourself back to the RIGHT NOW.
Today we painted water color pictures that represented our personal Zones of Regulation. We chose the space to represent how much of each day we typically spend in each zone. It was quite surprising to see how much time a child may spend feeling yellow, blue or red when we think they are green. We talked about how it is expected to be in a green zone in certain social settings. For example, if you are attending a birthday party the day after your dog died, you would want to use a tool to create a green zone space for your mind while you are at the party. And then allow yourself to experience the blue zone space at home. This is why we all need to have tools in our toolbox. Mindful practice can be a great tool for regulation. BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE. We watched this amazing TEDTALK today! It as great to welcome back a bunch of smiling faces and eager chatter. I so enjoyed hearing all about your vacations and events. Today we started a new calendar and swept away the old year with a nice refreshing Sage cleaning. The students enjoyed the wafting scent of sage and the idea that it can help wash away negative thoughts and even toxins. We also looked at the Zones of Regulation and helped identify tools to help us regulate when we are in a zone of stress, before we ERUPT like a volcano.
ZONES REFRESHER: Blue= I'm tired or sad. Green= I'm calm or happy. I am ready to work. Yellow= I'm stressed or silly. Red= I'm out of control. The students came up with several tools they like to use to get back in the green zone. "gum, putty, Room 10, rocking, IPADS, video games,reading,plating,cuddling a stuffy, fidgets, coloring, eating, drinking water, breathing, rainstick, self talk, quiet room" We are going to learn about volcanoes to help connect and understand our inner volcanoes. We are going to build a volcano kit together, and we are very excited about that! |
AuthorI am Lauren Purkiss, teacher at Prince of Wales School. I work out of Room 10 as Lead teacher for the Bridges Program as well as a Learning Leader for the school population. I have three children of my own, two boys ages 24 and 21, as well as my daughter, 16. My passion is to support our reluctant learners and their families. My door is always open. Come for a visit anytime. Archives
June 2018
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