Special Access Resources

Releasing Strategies

This wellness tool connects to the body and how our body stores experiences.

Explore movements (you and your students) that allow the opportunity to become present in the moment and reduce anxiety.

SEL Connection: Teach and practice each option together as a class. (Self-management)

• Laminate the tool back-to-back and have it as a reference menu option.

• Have students connect this to their resilience plan if they like certain strategies.

• Use these as brain breaks during the day.

• Add this tool to a calming space in your classroom.

• Teach families the movements so they can support and explore at home.

The Challenge Spiral

When there are challenges in a child’s (or adult’s) life, this tool may be helpful to show that the experience is always changing. Either use this as a reference in your teaching practice, or share it with students for them to identify where they may be in the spiral.

*Recommended for upper grades

SEL Connection: Teaches self-awareness for students to identify how they are experiencing a challenge. Teach that this tool provides an opportunity to explore a new perspective and validates the experience.

Validate the Experience

This tool can also support responsible decision-making. Here are some prompts to support:

• “In looking at the Challenge Spiral, where do you think you are in this challenge?”

• “Based on _____, I am wondering if you may be _____ on the Challenge Spiral, what are your thoughts?”

• “What could be some choices in action you could take to move from ____ to ____?”

The Window of Tolerance

A.K.A. The “I Am Okay” Window

Use this tool to identify where someone may be in the present moment, especially if you are noticing different behaviors beginning to escalate. More importantly, use this as a proactive support prior to escalation.

(Adaptation of Dr. Dan Siegel’s WoT)

SEL Connection: On the second page, there is a teaching tool for engaging in a conversation with students about their window (self-management and self-awareness). It explores how they can develop strategies to stay in their window and recognize when they are approaching outside of their window (self-awareness).

5-Step Moment

The 5-Step Moment is a quick and easy way to share a mindfulness practice with whomever you are leading. When you include these five components, you have a complete mindfulness experience. This is helpful, especially if you are just starting to integrate mindfulness, and it is a wonderful tool to share with students so that they can lead moments.

SEL Connection: Teach how to lead a quality mindful moment and that the moment can be accessible anytime, anywhere. 5-Step Moment Script Template

The HEART Approach

This acronym is used for “checking in with your HEART”. It is a simple and integrated routine to embed mindfulness throughout your day to stay present and regulated when making decisions. Consider exploring my children’s book, The Superpower of Your HEART.

SEL Connection: The acronym teaches that when you check in with your HEART, you have an opportunity to make a responsible decision and can choose how you would like to respond in the moment. (Each SEL CASEL Competency is accessible through the HEART).

HEART Lesson Overview

5-Step Moment & HEART Visual for Upper Grades

This download is another version that combines both practices to maximize the impact of the moment and keeps well-being at the foundation of every decision.

SEL Connection: In the upper grades, students have more opportunities for independence. The 5-Step Moment and HEART allow for positive approaches to any situation the student encounters.

(Adults, too!)