February Fun

Strong emotions are felt in our bodies.  

We are learning strategies to help us manage strong emotions.

Belly breathing:

Belly breathing slows the pulse and heart rate and promotes a feeling of calm, but it’s critical that the technique be taught correctly. Air is drawn into the bottom of the lungs slowly and quietly. On the in-breath, the diaphragm moves down and the belly is pushed out. On the out-breath, the diaphragm moves up and the belly moves in. Breathing in through the nose helps keep the breathing slow and quiet

1. Have students put their hands on their stomach, just above the belly button.
2. Next have them focus attention on their breathing as they take a slow, controlled breath through the nose, deep into the lower part of the lungs. They should feel their stomachs moving out as they do this.
3. Then have them breathe out slowly through the mouth. They should feel their stomachs moving in as they breathe out.
4. Model this process for students and have them practice with you.

Fostering a growth mindset dovetails nicely with our Second Step work...

 

 

 

A few more snapshots of February Sharing...

Reading series books in Reading Workshop is going strong!

Free choice favorites..Legos and comics!

Wishing a student well as he says good bye to his classmates and me!

Our new read aloud: