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When I wrote my first book on the topic of bullying prevention, Friendship & Other Weapons, I wrote it with kids ages 5-12 in mind.  Knowing that bullying peaks in middle school, I wanted to help young kids develop the social emotional skills they need to prevent the dynamics of bullying from taking root in their friendships.

To that end, I am still always developing and teaching new lessons that focus on building fundamental social and emotional intelligence skills, even from the earliest ages.  This month, with my youngest students, I am teaching skills to differentiate feelings and recognize non-verbal emotional cues. This week, “the sorting game” has been a big hit, as kids pick a “feelings face” card from my magic box, then decide if the face looks MAD or SAD. With Kindergarten students, to build empathy skills, I add in a component where the kids are asked to imagine what might be making the person feel mad or sad. They love it!

LSCI’s applications as a de-escalation strategy in schools and classrooms is featured in this month’s issue of Healing Magazine on pp. 14-15. Check it out below then visit www.lsci.org to learn how to bring LSCI training to your school and faculty!

http://www.healingmagazine.org/book/issue-42/

This week, I’ll be speaking with a group of parents and caregivers at my school on the topic of understanding anxiety in children and adolescents.  Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S and studies show that anxiety rates among young people are on a steady rise.  While researchers debate the unique 21st century causes for these rising rates, advances in neuroscience show us very clearly what is happening in the brains of stressed out young people and tell us how we, as caring adults, can help kids regain their calm.

Here is a partial list of the resources I use with kids and/or cite in my presentations to professionals, parents, and kids on how to understanding and manage anxiety:

Why Smart Kids Worry & What Parents Can Do to Help

Anxiety in Kids: How to Turn it Around and Protect Them For Life

How to Train Your Brain to Stop Worrying

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind (Dr. Daniel Siegel) 

I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness

Mindfulness Games Activity Cards

Anxiety or Aggression? When Anxiety in Children Looks Like Anger, Tantrums, or Meltdowns

Defeating My Inner Dragon: Teaching Kids How to Challenge Their Unhealthy Thinking Habits

GoZen

Mental Health on The Mighty