Children need time to reflect at home and in school. In order for children to self-sooth/self-regulate they must first identify their current emotions. We use a tool/reflection sheet in the classroom and in the home. There are days when we all wake up on the "wrong side of the bed."
Students need support, but what is helpful? Calming? Encouraging? I have looked all over YouTube, Google, and more for guided mindfulness for children. I have found my favorite product called, Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents).
GoNoodle is a wonderful free website for children. Many schools use this site for brain, exercise, and movement breaks. As a parent, I use GoNoodle for the calming activities. The site has child-appropriate mindfulness and yoga activities. The site gives participation points and has virtual rewards.
When do I use this site? I use this in the morning, before school. Classrooms have a limited amount of time to focus on social and emotional development.
Cosmic Kids Yoga is another site that leads yoga through storytelling. Children love the engaging stories and become immersed in the story while exercising.
Stories can help children identify/validate a child's feelings. I love to use Storyline Online in the classroom and home. The Screen Actors Guild has many videos of famous people reading literature.
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