The Calming Corner
Ideas for Support During Uncertain Times
First Edition/ Sunday April 5 2020
Welcome!
Each week, members of the Student Support Team at Lowell are here to provide you with resources that can help bring steadiness to your lives during these uncertain times. Each edition of The Calming Corner will have information for the whole family that can provide balance, social-emotional support, and entertainment into your home.
Your house has now turned into a classroom, an office, a gym, but most importantly, still remains your home. Each day may look different and routines are shifting but that is okay. We hope that the resources provided in this newsletter will give you an alternative to academic content and support learning beyond the “classroom.”
Quote of the Day
Parent Tips and Resources
Here is the WPS Extended Learning website's information for Social Emotional Learning. It includes tips for emotional wellness, time management, and home activities.
Ten Percent Happier also has many great resources including the appropriately named Corona Virus Sanity Guide!
Here is an article for parents on how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus.
If you need language geared for children on how to explain Coronavirus, here's a handy guide and this cartoon!
Physical Activities
At school, we use GoNoodle regularly but if you're interested in trying something new check out Fitness Blender. They offer quick 25 minute in-home workouts for kids!
And don't forget to check out the PE teachers' Smore for fun activities.
Mindfulness Activities
One thing that we've found helpful is practicing mindfulness. Some apps to help our mindfulness practice include Mindful Powers (available for Apple and Android devices), SOS Method (available for Apple and Android devices).
If you want to unplug and practice mindfulness that's a great idea too! Find a comfortable spot, settle in, and try to focus on something that brings you joy (a fun memory, your favorite spot, maybe your favorite food). Remember why you appreciate the item that you chose. Focus on your breath and try to make your inhales match your exhales (i.e. 5 counts in and 5 counts out). Just focus and relax.
And for fun ways for kids to practice mindful breathing, we love the book "Alphabreaths" by Christopher Willard. This week, start with Alligator breaths.
Table Talk
1. If you could have any 3 wishes in the world right now, what would you wish for?
2. You have to pick one food to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a year. What would you choose?
3. What is something that makes you laugh?
Community Resources
Compiled by the Lowell Student Support Team
Kelley Cochrane - School Psychologist
Brian Connors - Behavior Specialist
Melina Jacovides - Guidance Counselor
Crystal Johnson - Social Worker
Greg Roberts - Team Chair
If you have any questions and you're not sure who to ask; reach out to your guidance counselor: melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us
or school psychologist: kelley.cochrane@watertown.k12.ma.us. We're here to help:)