Do you know a teen who is struggling with school work, having trouble focusing, or can’t seem to find a way to stop the negative thoughts? Many, if not all of us, know a few overwhelmed teens. Let’s face it, being a teen is stressful! I live with two teens and I...
After decades of research, the evidence is clear: social emotional learning programs work. Students who learn social emotional skills perform better in school, sports, and in life. Social emotional learning is now a significant part of educating the whole child....
5 Things Mindful Teachers Do Differently Mindful teachers can be found in many classrooms and in many schools around the world. And even though mindfulness has become a very popular and trendy practice from superstars to professional athletes, some of these...
No child is born with the ability to self-soothe, calm down when upset, or regulate emotions. As they grow, children learn to calm down by the way they are soothed by parents and caregivers, by watching others, and by experimenting with what works for them....
Social emotional learning (SEL) is a system of methods and practices that help students better understand their emotions, to feel those emotions fully, and to demonstrate empathy for others. It is organized into five key skills. Those skills are self-awareness,...
How do you get your students to practice mindfulness when just getting them to sit still feels like a herculean task? Tap into their inner playfulness and imagination! Make it feel like students are playing when they are practicing mindfulness. Simply by tapping...
At this time last year, my discussion with area principals and school districts about social-emotional learning in schools was not so urgent. It was important, maybe even trendy, or the newest education buzzword thanks to Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education. In...
Do you wish you had more energy? You are not alone! It's 2 pm, you still have a few hours of work, and the draw of caffeine feels overwhelming. It’s so tempting to get another coffee or soda. I totally understand. The world spends billions of dollars every...
The holidays bring joy and (if we are being honest) chaos. Is your to-do list as long as mine? Our teaching schedules leave little time for holiday prep. My daughter told me I need a holiday survival guide, which got me thinking about how I could do the holidays...
Taking just a few minutes to focus on quiet breathing techniques can transform your classroom from chaos to calm. Ninja Breath is a fun and interactive way to explore the centering nature of intentional breathing. Check out our quick video below! Be sure to share...