SELF Talk
Social Emotional Learning Foundations Newsletter
CELEBRATE 100 NEWSLETTERS Issue!!
Issue No. 100 April 22, 2024
Unit 7: The Time is Now
“This is it. It’s now or never!”~ Charlie Brown
Welcome to our milestone 100th issue, where we're not just marking the moment, but embracing it with open arms! It's a milestone worth celebrating, and as we reflect on our SELF journey so far, we're filled with gratitude for the stories shared, the connections made, and the moments cherished. Here's to embracing the present, honoring the past, and eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead and here's to 100 issues of curiosity, growth, and community! Let's savor this milestone, cherish the memories, and embark on continuing our journey together! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with SELF!
Through this year's mindset lessons, students have been learning not only to focus on what has brought them happiness, but also to embrace failure, mistakes, and apprehension. They also can find themselves full of distractions and have difficulty living in the moment. As they grow, students can understand logic and begin to think abstractly, which helps them embrace the moment to live their lives and take specific steps to achieve their dreams. The Time Is Now Mindset gives students the opportunity to discuss the importance of embracing every moment of their school years and seeking joy and happiness, embracing the gift that each moment brings as a life skill to ensure they continue growing by getting the most from all their experiences by taking purposeful actions.
7 Mindset Lessons: Embrace Every Moment
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”~ Mother Teresa
Each lesson includes an engaging slideshow, video, and activity. Click on the link that matches your student's age or grade. You'll find a fun icebreaker, a video lesson, and some discussion questions you can use to invite your student into conversation. There's also an activity to bring the idea alive in your student's life. Have fun connecting and learning how lean into to the Time is Now!
Grades: K-2Grades: 3-5
Grades: Middle School
Grades: High School
Mindset Mondays!
Mindset Mondays are growing! If your student(s) haven't joined yet, come see what it's all about! No sign-ups ups needed; just join at the time for your student(s) age group listed below! Each session is designed to be self-contained and doesn't require students to have attended before...which means your student(s) can join at any time. Mindset Mondays are on all Mondays that school is in session.
I look forward to seeing your students in class as we explore the Time is Now mindset!
You will find the class times below. Classes are arranged by grade levels as follows:
Grades K-3: 10 AM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
Grades 4-6: 11 AM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
Grades 7-12: 1:15 PM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
The lessons are designed to be interactive group lessons; however, because we recognize the importance of students attending comfortably, each student may choose their level of participation in the lesson.
Big Life Journal Activities
These Big Life Journal printable activities, purchased by Cottonwood for your students, offer additional opportunities to extend learning as students focus on learning more about becoming aware of their emotions and continuing their exploration of the Time is Now!
Big Life Journal Activity: Gratitude for the Present
Big Life Teen: Flow State
Teen Mental Health Corner
Parent Education Opportunity
Worried that your teen might be struggling with depression? Come join our mental health therapists, Andrew and Nadia, for a parent-friendly presentation on depression in adolescents. We'll delve into the signs and symptoms of teen depression, different types of depression, ways to offer support, and information on free resources. We're looking forward to having you join us!
Depression in Adolescents
Wednesday, April 24 at 4:00
A Mind Set for Testing
Is your student feeling a little nervous about upcoming CAASPP testing? I'm excited to introduce a fantastic resource designed to help your student get into the perfect mindset for test-taking success. This was presented at our test prep parties and is available for all families at The Cottonwood School.
Say hello to the "A Mind Set for Testing" slideshow! Packed with practical tips, mindfulness exercises, and confidence-boosting strategies, this slideshow is your ultimate companion for conquering exams with ease.
The slideshow is designed to empower your student with the tools they need to approach test-taking with calmness, focus, and positivity. Dive into the slideshow today and unlock the secrets to mastering your student's mindset for test success. This presentation will be included in each SELF Talk for the month of April in the buttons at the bottom of each newsletter.
Mindset Marvel
The Cottonwood School is a 2024 Kindness Certified School! Please share with us any random act of kindness activity your family participates in to Make a Difference! Send your photos to us to celebrate all the kindness that is created!