Introduction
In this blog post, we will discuss the important skill of staying calm when feeling angry, which is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning for PreK students. Learning how to manage anger and stay calm is essential for young children as they navigate various social situations and develop relationships with their peers. We will explore an easy, no-prep activity, discuss relevant questions, and provide resources for further learning.
No-Prep Activity: The Calm Down Corner
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your classroom as the “Calm Down Corner.” When a child feels angry or upset, encourage them to go to the Calm Down Corner and practice the following steps to help them stay calm:
- Take deep breaths.
- Count to ten slowly.
- Think about a happy memory or place.
- Ask for a break if needed.
The Calm Down Corner provides a safe space for children to practice self-regulation and develop healthy coping strategies when faced with anger or frustration.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to stay calm when we feel angry?
- What are some situations that might make us feel angry?
- How can deep breaths and counting to ten help us stay calm?
- How do our actions when we’re angry affect the people around us?
- What are some other ways we can stay calm when we feel angry?
Related Skills
In addition to staying calm when angry, there are other important social-emotional skills for PreK students to develop. Some of these include:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Active listening: Paying attention and responding appropriately to others during conversations.
- Conflict resolution: Finding peaceful solutions to disagreements or problems.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from challenges or setbacks.
- Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
Next Steps
Are you interested in exploring more resources and activities to help your PreK students develop essential social-emotional skills? Sign up for free samples of the discussed skills and others at Everyday Speech. These materials will provide you with the tools you need to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment for your young students.
