Emotions

When you see your students display effective listening or following instruction skills, find a way to recognize them in front of their peers! The more you give praise and pay attention to positive behaviors in your classroom, the more often you will see...

One way to avoid Zest Zappers is to be proactive instead of reactive. Being proactive leads to positive emotions while being reactive can generate negative emotions. In this activity, students will recognize the moods of others and use self-monitoring...

Join in on the fun with an activity from Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything Why Do I Hate to Lose? Students will practice their sportsmanship skills during a coin flip game called “Don’t Flip Out.” Extend the...

Students will learn that a team is only as strong as its individual members! From Julia Cook’s BEST ME I Can Be! series is an engaging activity to accompany her storybook Teamwork Isn’t My Thing, and I Don’t Like to Share! This...

Join in on the fun with an activity from Bryan Smith’s Is There an App for That? Students will visually see how they have similarities and differences with other students. This activity will teach students the difference between staying true...

This activity will allow students to research a product and read consumer comments and reviews based on their experience. Students will then evaluate the feedback given and decide if it is helpful or not. This is also a great opportunity to incorporate...

Students will exhibit zest by actively participating and making decisions on what items to take to a deserted island.  Start the lesson by leading the class into a discussion with the provided questions. The purpose of this activity is having...

Explain to students that all animals have differences between them, but it does not mean one is better than the other. The worksheet provided will allow students to point out something positive for each of the animals listed in this activity from, Is...

Help students discover happiness through self-acceptance with this activity from Bryan Smith's storybook Is There an App for That?. Students will identify characteristics and qualities about themselves that are like-able to help reinforce the skill...

Students will have to determine whether certain scenarios demonstrate good or bad sportsmanship. Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose? storybook explains the importance of teamwork and fairness. Put to use the...

Students will learn to show good sportsmanship regardless of whether they win or lose with this interactive activity. Bryan Smith’s picture book, If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose?, is highly recommended for this classroom...

Students often assume they know what your instructions will be based on prior experience. Assuming leads to not listening, and, unfortunately, the assumption made may not always be correct. Read Julia Cook’s storybook The WORST Day of My Life...

Teach the skill of working as a team with this unique activity called “Spaghetti and Marshmallows.” This amusing exercise will keep students engaged through all three rounds by creating their own structures. Discussion questions are offered...

Storm Sticks will provide students with a wide range of calming strategies while improving their tactile skills. Creating a list of exercises and activities to help students relax when they feel frustrated is a simple way to change their focus in the...

Students will have an action plan for dealing with their emotional storms by learning how to recognize the warning signs and symptoms they experience when getting frustrated. Have each student work independently filling out the worksheet provided to...

Students will have the opportunity to put themselves in Braden’s shoes in this activity, teaching the importance of flexible thinking and responsibility. The exercise accompanies the storybook My Day is Ruined! from the Executive FUNction series...