Cornerstone Corner

This month’s ABC book: “When Sophie Gets Angry: Really, Really Angry” by Molly Bang tells the story of a young girl who is searching for ways to cope with "big feelings" like anger.

Goals of  the lesson:  

• To identify, acknowledge and express feelings in safe, positive, healthy ways. 
• Stop and think and choose how to react when our emotions feel out of control.  
• Be able to switch directions and make positive choices.  
• Use peaceful conflict resolution to resolve conflict and the steps to a genuine apology. 

To reinforce this lesson at home:  

• Help your child identify and acknowledge how they are feeling with words. “You are frowning, is that puzzle frustrating? Can I help?” “You are using a loud, angry voice. Are you mad? Tell me about it.”  
• As a caring adult, notice and acknowledge your own feelings. Role model the techniques you use to stay calm and in control. Share your successful strategies with youth.  
• Help your child chose safe ways to calm themselves: Do physical activity. Put on music and dance away the anger. Go on a walk or bike ride. Take deep breaths. Count to 10; if still angry, count to 10 again and add deep breaths. Remove yourself from the situation. Take a break in a safe, quiet place. Use art materials such as markers, paint, or other art materials to express feelings.

When you “catch” kids modeling positive behaviors ... Notice, Name it, and Celebrate it!