Friday, October 23, 2015

Friday Freebies (Anger Management)

Minecraft Themed Managing Anger Activity

Anger Control Bookmarks
Anger Paws

Free Anger Choice Cards for the Classroom - Choices for Wh
Social story for anger management

Anger Scale

That Makes Me Mad:  Making Positive Choices when Dealing w

Chill Out!  Anger Management Visuals

Anger Iceberg

Minions stages of anger

Calming Strategies Flipbook






Thursday, October 22, 2015

Crankenstein

Halloween is only 1 week ( and a couple of days) away!!!!  Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love incorporating a Halloween theme in my lessons.  I purchased the book CRANKENSTEIN about a year ago and found that it is the perfect book for this time of year.  If your school doesn't celebrate Halloween you can totally use this book anyway.  The character is based off of Frankenstein so I think it is fun to use it this time of year but you can definitely use it anytime of the year.  In fact, one of the lessons that I am connecting to is a VALENTINE's DAY lesson (there is also a Valentine's Day Version of Crankenstein)!  Anyway, about the book...
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BEWARE OF CRANKENSTEIN!  Who is crankenstein?  He's an ordinary kid, just like you.  But on a bad day, he could transform into CRANKENSTEIN!  A monster of grumpiness that no one can destroy!  MEHHRRRRR!  He's Alive!  Turn the pages to see this creature of crankiness.  You might even learn how to turn him back into a boy...IF YOU DARE!  You can purchase the book HERE.

Discussion Questions:  What are some things that make Crankenstein angry?  Have you ever felt like Crankenstein?  What are some things that make you angry?  What can Crankenstein do to turn back into a boy?  Tell me about a time you were angry and were able to turn it around.

LESSON CONNECTIONS
Crankenstein Craftivity and Writing Prompt {Freebie!}

Crankenstein Valentine {Freebie}

Crankenstein Writing FREEBIE

Purchase Crankenstein HERE.

Here is the Valentine's Version of Crankenstein:  A CRANKENSTEIN VALENTINE

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Monday, October 12, 2015

Mindfulness Monday

I have started integrating mindfulness interventions into my school counseling program.  I have been researching mindfulness for a few months and it seems that there is quit a bit of evidence out there stating that the implementation of mindfulness in schools can help students increase academic performance, develop social skills, and learn coping mechanisms. I recently ordered the MindUp Curriculum and am very excited about the premise of this curriculum.  These are the books that I ordered to start the implementation of mindfulness:


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MindUP Curriculum description from Amazon:  This research based curriculum features 15 lessons that use the latest information about the brain to dramatically improve behavior and learning for all students.  Each lesson offers easy strategies for helping students focus their attention, improve their self-regulation skills, build resilience to stress, and develop a positive mind-set in both school and life.

I also ordered this book:
Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)
This book is perfect for introducing mindfulness.  It uses simple terminology to describe what mindfulness is and how mindful-based practices can help children calm down, become more focused, fall asleep easier, alleviate worry, manage anger, and become more patient and aware.

Some Bulletin Board Ideas I found on Pinterest (sources unknown)






change your words change your mindset bulletin board - Google Search:

Love this Mindsets bulletin Board! Angie Olson on Twitter:






Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Being Yourself (Self-Acceptance)

I wasn't kidding when I said I was focused on self-acceptance this week!  If you missed my other posts about self-acceptance you can check them out HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.  Today I am showcasing several books that I use to teach lessons on self-acceptance.  

Just like the colors of a rainbow, each of us is unique!  Kids are encouraged to celebrate their differences.  This is also a great book to teach diversity!  You can purchase it HERE.
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Lesson Connection:
Rainbow Of Friends: Celebrate Differences

This book encourages children to embrace their individuality, no matter what others think.You can Purchase Carla's Sandwich HERE.
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Carla's Sandwich Connections:
I host a "Weird Sandwich Party" each year.  The kids love it!  You can get ideas HERE.

Velvet's classmates think she is odd but by the end of the story they find out that her differences are what make her so much fun!  You can purchase this book HERE.
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Odd Velvet Connections:
Odd Velvet Back to School Social Skill Activities and Disc

Bulletin Board Idea (found on Pinterest...source unknown)

Zoe is a green triangle stuck in a world of red circles.  Zoe has a hard time fitting in with the others because she is different.  This is a great book for teaching students to be themselves even if they are different than others.  It is a great reminder that everyone has something unique about them.  You can purchase Zoe The Misfit HERE.
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Hey, You're Great!
This book is great for students in grades 4-8.  The story is fun and talks about the silliness that comes from trying to be just like others.  
You can Purchase Hey, You're Great HERE.
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Lesson Connection:
whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com created an awesome lesson to go along with this book and it's FREE!

You can find another lesson idea HERE.
"Painted"-Social Skills poem and questions - self esteem, self respect
Social Skills poem and questions - self esteem, self respect