Social Emotional

 

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Your child has just begun a lifelong journey of learning. Not only has your child begun to build foundational skills that will pave the way for academic success, but your child is also in the process of acquiring essential social-emotional skills that will contribute to his/her overall success in life.

 

 

Emotions (Self Awareness & Self Management)

  • Allow your child to express how he/she feels.  If your child is feeling upset, nervous or angry, allow your child to have a space where he/she can calm down.  Some strategies to use:
    • Hold up both hands with fingers all up.  Pretend each finger is a birthday candle.  He/she takes a deep breath in as he/she blows out a candle one at a time.  The whole idea is for your child to focus on breathing and blowing out allowing your child to calm down.
    • Give him/her a book to try and balance on his/her head.  This helps your child focus on the balancing act instead of getting wrapped up in the negative emotion.
    • Have your child place his/her hands on the wall as if he/she is doing a pushup.  Have your child push the wall while counting to 10.
    • Try some of the child friendly yoga videos from Cosmic Kids Yoga!

 

  • Your child should practice using words like "Please" and "Thank You" with you and whoever else lives in your household.

 

  • Instead of whining and crying, your child should be able to use his/her words when he/she wants or needs something.

 

  • Visit Go Noodle at https://family.gonoodle.com/  .   Your child really loves these videos from Go Noodle.  They have a lot of movement videos and Social Emotional topics.

 

As always, take time to speak with your child about his/her feelings.  Your child needs validation!

 

Daily Dos To Help Your Child During School Closing Period

It is a known fact that when your child has a routine and structure, negative behavior decreases and anxiety is less because your child knows what to expect next.

  • Have a routine that works for your family!  Here are some ideas to help you.
    • Wake up time
    • Breakfast time (have your child help prepare this)
    • Self Care - (Brushing hair, brushing teeth, etc)
    • Morning Chores (cleaning up after breakfast or making beds)
    • Classwork time  
    • Movement Breaks
    • Playtime (free choice)
    • Lunch Time (Have your child help prepare snacks or lunch)
    • Classwork time
    • Go for a walk or get some fresh air while staying safe
    • Snack Time
    • Play some games (free choice)
    • Dinner Time  (Have your child help prepare dinner and set the table)
    • Cleaning Up Time ( Have your child clean the table or do dishes)
    • Watching TV
    • Bathtime 
    • Bedtime (read a book to your child before they go to sleep)

Find times that work best for you and your family and just try to stick to some kind of routine because it really does help!  Remember that your child is 5 or 6 years old and attention spans are short, so give them plenty of movement breaks if you are doing a lot of academic work during the day.  Attention spans are different for each child, about 10 to 15 minutes before he/she starts getting a little tired or bored during an activity.