Tools
These are some of the tools that we use in the classroom as well ason the playgournd here at Neil Cummins Elementary
Zones of Regulation
IThe Zones is a systematic, cognitive behavior approach used to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete zones. The Zones curriculum provides strategies to teach students to become more aware of, and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, managing their sensory needs, and improving their ability to problem solve conflicts.
Second Step
Second Step provides instruction in social and emotional learning with units on skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, friendship skills, and problem solving. The program contains separate sets of lessons for use in prekindergarten through eighth grade implemented in 22 to 28 weeks each year. The Early Learning program in Second Step also includes a unit for transitioning to kindergarten. Second Step uses four key strategies to reinforce skill development: brain builder games (to build executive function), weekly theme activities, reinforcing activities, and home links. Teachers are encouraged to give children daily opportunities to practice
Character Counts!
CHARACTER COUNTS! is a framework, not a scope and sequence program nor a curriculum. It provides practical strategies and tools to braid Character Counts! strategies with other programs such as Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) to foster positive climate change to produce exceptional results in the academic, social, emotional and character development domains by infusing six core ethical and performance values and traits into the DNA of your organization.
Kimochis
Meet the Kimochis® characters
Each Kimochis® character has a unique temperament and personality just like the children in your school. The characters provide:
• Educators a playful and safe way to recognize and honor a child’s temperament and personality to ensure the best possible social and emotional development for the child.
• Children a way to learn tolerance, patience, empathy, and acceptance for self and others which is especially useful in full inclusion classrooms.
• Children and adults a powerful and safe third-party to help communicate true feelings.
Joni DeGabriele's Musical Moments Using Kimochis:
Responsive Classroom
Responsive Classroom is a research-based approach to education that is associated with greater teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school climate. It has been recognized by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as one of the most well-designed, evidence-based social and emotional learning programs.
Mindfullness
I'Mindfulness in the classroom, sometimes called “contemplative pedagogy,” involves teaching methods designed to cultivate deepened awareness, concentration, and insight.