LESSON: Emotions and Self Regulation

This lesson is from the Classroom Champions Curriculum. Website: https://teach.classroomchampions.org/cc-sel-foundations-k-2/

Take a look at Olympic bobsledder and Classroom Champions athlete mentor Nic Taylor’s video about Emotions. Self-regulation is a core skill that students need to learn to be successful in life. Students who can regulate their emotions are better able to engage in school, focus on the task at hand, and have healthier relationships. With time and practice, students are better able to react to upsetting situations, reducing the amount of time between the strong emotional reaction and the return to center. Because students may never have been explicitly taught how to intentionally and mindfully find their center, modeling and open dialogue are especially important.

Watch Nic Taylor's video on emotional regulation: https://vimeo.com/393484542/d3ddb68d73

After watching Nic’s video, use this discussion guide to spark conversations at home surrounding this topic. You will see various levels of questions grouped by difficulty level. Pick and choose what questions are appropriate for your family.

- Think of a time when you were really happy or really mad. What made you feel that way?

- How does that big emotion make your arms feel? How does it make your legs and face feel?

- Even if you’re not feeling a big emotion right now, try using a strategy to calm your body down. How do your arms, legs and face feel now?

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- What is a strong emotion you have sometimes?

- How does that strong emotion make your brain feel?

- Even if you’re not feeling a strong emotion right now, try using a strategy to find your center. How does your brain feel now?

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- Think of a time when you’ve had a really strong emotion. Maybe it was being elated or fearful? Or joyful or confused?

- Identify that emotion and describe what brought it on.

- Think of how you could have used a strategy in that situation. Think of an alternative strategy that you could use to help you find your center when you feel that way next time.