Words of Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh

This warms my heart. 💙 I hope all of you are doing what you can to stay healthy. I am planning on reaching out directly to the families of children I meet with regularly, email at first and then by phone. In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to help. jstevenson@huusd.org, 583-7876.

Time to Come in Bear: A Story About Social Distancing

Struggling with how to explain understand "social distancing" to your child? If so, I came across the video above on my Facebook feed. Check it out and watch it together. You continue to be in my thoughts. Please let me know if I can help in any way: jstevenson@huusd.org, (802) 583-7876.

Exercise and Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to manage and respond to our emotional experiences. It is the ability to calm down when upset or cheer up when feeling down. When a child experiences a lack of self regulation, they are unable to diffuse their negative emotions. These emotions can take control leading to over-the-top reactions, outbursts or meltdowns. A lack of self-regulation skills cam also make it difficult for a child to cope with stressful life experiences.

One way to improve self regulation is through regular, daily exercise. For ideas, check out the following (click image to view larger):

Other resources (thank you, Ross Greene!):

• Cosmic Kids Yoga: Geared more for younger children (PreK-4).
• Sworkit: A customizable workout program.
• FitnessBlender: Free workouts and yoga for older children and adults.

(Source: He's Extraordinary: Tools for Raising an Extraordinary Person)

Focus on What You Can Control

Focusing on what we can control, I know it is easier said than done. It can go a long way, though, to helping us cope in these unsettling times. It is a great strategy for both children and adults. Click the image above to view a larger version.

Zones of Regulation Book Nook

I am a big fan of using literature, picture books in particular, to teach social skills. Just ask your child, I frequently use read alouds in wellness classes, small groups and when working individually with students. Check out the Zones of Regulation Book Nook for great resources to introduce and reinforce the Zones self-regulation concepts. Interested in checking out a title? If so, please let me know! I will figure out a way to get it to you in some form (digital perhaps?).

Zones of Regulation

We have been talking about and utilizing the Zones of Regulation to support students with self regulation. Through Zones, students have learned how their bodies provide them with clues that can help them identify how they are feeling and how they can manage their emotions using a variety of strategies.

Instead of overwhelming you with too much information all at once, I will post regularly with Zones resources. In the meantime, ask your child what they know about Zones. Allow them to take on the teaching role with you as student. I look forward to hearing what they remember!

Here are some Zones-related resources:

• Information About the Zones
• Zones Chart

30 Day Lego Challenge

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Legos. I use them to engage with students and teach them important social skills such as effective communication and problem solving. I came across this 30 Day Lego Challenge on Facebook. With a different build each day, this could be a fun distraction for your child, providing a creative outlet and a way to manage their worries. If you are willing, I would love to see their creations! Email photos to jstevenson@huusd.org.

(Source: East Elementary - Jefferson, WI)