[In a jazzy Michael Bublé croon] It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new year for me- and I’m feeling ___________.
Good? Are you feeling good? Nervous? Overwhelmed already? Let me know in the comments!
However you’re feeling coming back from winter break, know that it is validated and that we’re in it together. Here is our round-up of our top 8 social-emotional resources to support you and your K-3 kiddos throughout January.
The craft that keeps on giving so that you can spend more of your winter vacation relaxing and less time scrambling for a meaningful New Year’s activity. This simple craftivity supports self-esteem and growth mindset, by focusing on what each child is proud of accomplishing this past year.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "My first graders loved this activity. They had no trouble putting it together, which was great for me, as I could concentrate on helping them with their sentences. We put them on construction paper backgrounds and hung them in the hallway to display. Other teachers complimented the kids' work. It was a win-win. Thank you!"
Review self-regulation skills with this groovy snowman craft for kids. Students will either choose blanks to customize, or snowballs that are pre-written, to decorate their snow buddy with coping strategies that work best for them.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "My students loved this activity. It was great for our SEL group." -Crystal F.
3. Winter Stand Up Sit Down Game
Walk in a winter wonderland > a walk on the wild side. Don’t take any risks by missing out on our best-selling movement break! Such a low price for high-engagement to get kids learning more about one another from the safety of their own seats.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "My kids love this activity. We use it during morning meeting and the examples have something for everyone. We extend the activity by giving them choice to share why they like/prefer their response. They even request it as the morning activity." -Lillian K.
4. Free Mindful Winter Coloring Pages
Run, don’t walk, to grab this FREE one-of-a-kind sample set of SEL coloring pages to support deep breathing, gratitude and self-esteem. We love them for mindful morning work, transitions or as meaningful early finishers.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "These are such a hit with students during small group counseling or at the end of whole group SEL classes. It's a fun and calming wat to reinforce coping strategies to encourage kids to talk with others about what works best for them. I return to these each season! Thanks for the wonderful resource." -Lauren P.
This SEL winter craft was created to be a safe space for students to visit in their minds when they feel overwhelm or anxiety. First, read the interactive, mindful story. Then, have your students decorate their calm corner/ Calm Cabin with cozy accents, sensory tools, pets and furniture.
Some students come back from break feeling a little timid and/or low in self-esteem as they readjust to expectations and routine. This craft reminds them to focus on their unique strengths and attributes, and makes for an adorable growth mindset bulletin board that you can leave up until spring.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "I love this! This is so cute and students were excited to dress their moose up, but it also got them thinking about empathy. We had fun learning about our peers." -Harvest R.
7. Make the Whole Year Shimmer Collaborative Poster
8. Cheers to a Cool Year Tumbler Craft
This tumbler craft is a refreshing way to kick off the new year, and your students will be all about the good vibes. Have them use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast their interests, before customizing a water tumbler that reflects their strengths.
✓ What others like you are saying:
❄ "...This was an immediate hit activity. I love how they could tailor it to their character traits." -Alicia C.
You might also like: the Reinforcing Expectations After Winter Break blog
Lots of love,
