Calm down techniques

This week 3rd grade is working on what to do when they get angry. They learned that anger is just a feeling, it isn't good or bad. But it's what we DO with our anger that can be bad.


Many students have their own techniques to calm down when they're mad at home, but these techniques usually don't transfer over to school very well (i.e. going into their bedroom, taking a nap, etc.).


We played a game practicing these techniques and students chose two they were going to work on this week.

DO 10  JUMPING JACKS

TAKE A WALK

TAKE A BIG BREATH IN THROUGH YOUR NOSE AND SLOWLY LET IT OUT THROUGH YOUR MOUTH

(REPEAT 2 MORE TIMES)

CLENCH YOUR FIST

(OPEN AND SHUT 20 TIMES)

PUT YOUR HEAD DOWN ON A DESK AND REST

GET A DRINK OF WATER

HOLD YOUR ARM OR LEG STIFF FOR A COUNT OF 12

COUNT BACKWARDS FROM 50

COUNT TO 25

HUM A FAVORITE SONG TO YOURSELF

THINK OF TEN OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

PULL YOUR SHOULDERS UP TO YOUR EARS FOR A COUNT OF 12

THROW AN IMAGINARY BASEBALL 12 TIMES

TIGHTEN YOUR STOMACH MUSCLES FOR A COUNT OF 12

HOP ON ONE FOOT 20 TIMES

These techniques not only help with anger, but with stress also! Try these out with you students and see which ones you like the best!

Help! My child is acting out because they need attention! What should I do?

Give them attention!!!

We all know how busy life can get, but try to carve out some time for just you and that child to have some alone time together once a week. It doesn't have to take an hour from your day. Maybe just take them to get ice cream. Ask if they want to go on a drive, or a walk around the block. Play a quick board game with them. Something that tells them "I love you, and you are important to me". One on one time with children is vital, especially if they are struggling in any way at home or school.

One on one time will help the child feel secure, and not feel the need to act out to get your attention. They're going to get your attention either way, wouldn't you rather it be positive than negative?