HOME-SCHOOL CONNECTIONS:   5 things to ASK YOUR CHILD…. 

    In the weekly BrainWise Social Emotional Learning lessons at NES, your children are discovering how to Manage their Emotions using different strategies.  Your child is also learning how to Empathize with and show Compassion for others.  And finally, they are learning the steps for Responsible Decision Making.    How can we partner together to raise incredible children?


      1. ASK YOUR CHILD to check in with the sensations in their body.  What is their body telling them?  Some possible answers:  Shaky.  Butterflies.  Tight muscles.  Hot.  Slouched shoulders.  Help your child name the emotion they are feeling by focusing on the energy bouncing around in their inner world.  Labeling sensations with words reduces the response of the amygdala and limbic system (Lizard Brain).  Naming emotions increases activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain (Wizard Brain) and creates Self Awareness. 

       2.  ASK YOUR CHILD what strategies seem to work best for them when they are feeling             upset?  Learning and utilizing a variety of calming strategies teaches Self  Regulation.  Each classroom is setting up a “Refocus Center” this year where children can have a quiet place to practice the strategies that work for them.  They will find things there like --  fidget toys, art supplies, exercise options, aromatherapy, music selections, counting tools, journal supplies, books, relaxation exercises, visualization prompts, encouragement to hydrate or rest, ideas for positive self talk, etc.  Help your children practice their favorite ways to Calm Down at home.

     3.  ASK YOUR CHILD:   “If you are having a hard time at school one day, who is a grown-up       you can talk to?”   Help your child identify several trusted adults at school.  Practice what to say to a trusted adult to ask for help, if needed.  “I’m feeling ______ because this happened _______.”  This is what I could say to ask an adult for help:______________.   Strong mental health is achieved when we don’t feel ashamed to ask for assistance with the challenges in our lives.

     4. ASK YOUR CHILD to be a Mindful Feelings Detective.  When you read books together,           pause and think back to what caused a certain character to feel a certain way.  Practice being mindful about how others may be feeling.  See if your children can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and figure out their point of view.   This teaches Social Awareness and important Relationship Skills. 

     5.  ASK YOUR CHILD to think of possible solutions to problems.  Practice brainstorming            together-- even if some of the ideas are silly or unrealistic.  Guide your child in thinking about the consequences of these possibilities for each person involved.  Try out a solution and see how it works for everyone.  This teaches Responsible Decision-Making.*

          The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning has identified these five highlighted competencies as crucial for success in life.  Most Social Emotional Learning curriculum (*like Second Step and Sanford Harmony) encourage parents to actively participate in the lessons that will provide their children strong people skills.  Together, our Home-School connection at Nederland Elementary can produce healthy, well-rounded adults.