Introduction

Teaching young children to manage their thoughts and feelings is crucial for their overall development. One of the essential skills that can help them achieve this is using the Self-Controller Scanner. This tool enables children to stay in control by assessing their emotions, thoughts, and actions. By incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles, educators can help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help PreK students understand and practice the Self-Controller Scanner.

No-Prep Activity: The Self-Controller Scanner Game

This activity is designed to help students understand the concept of the Self-Controller Scanner without any preparation or materials needed from the educator. Here’s how to conduct the activity:

1. Ask the students to sit in a circle.
2. Explain to them that they will be playing a game called the Self-Controller Scanner Game.
3. One at a time, present a scenario to the students where they might lose control (e.g., not getting to play during recess).
4. Ask them to use their imaginary Self-Controller Scanner to assess their thoughts, feelings, and actions in that situation.
5. Encourage the students to share their strategies for regaining control (e.g., taking deep breaths, asking an adult for help).
6. Continue presenting scenarios and discussing strategies until all students have had a chance to participate.

This activity helps students practice using their Self-Controller Scanner in various situations, allowing them to develop self-regulation skills and make better choices when faced with challenges.

Discussion Questions

After completing the no-prep activity, engage the students in a discussion to deepen their understanding of the Self-Controller Scanner. Here are some questions to stimulate further discussion:

1. Why is it important to stay in control of our thoughts and feelings?
2. Can you think of a time when you used your Self-Controller Scanner to regain control? What strategy did you use?
3. What are some other situations where you might need to use your Self-Controller Scanner?
4. How can using the Self-Controller Scanner help us make better choices?
5. Why is it important to ask for help from an adult when we’re struggling to regain control?

Related Skills

Beyond the Self-Controller Scanner, there are other relevant skills that can help PreK students develop self-regulation and emotional awareness. Some of these skills include:

• Mindfulness: Teaching students to be present and aware of their emotions, thoughts, and surroundings.
• Empathy: Encouraging students to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them develop compassion and social awareness.
• Problem-solving: Guiding students to identify and overcome challenges by thinking critically and creatively.
• Resilience: Helping students develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the Self-Controller Scanner and its benefits for PreK students, it’s time to explore more resources and activities that can help you incorporate Social-Emotional Learning principles into your classroom. To get started, sign up for free sample materials that cover a wide range of skills, including the Self-Controller Scanner and many others. These resources will provide you with the necessary tools and strategies to help your students develop essential life skills and become more successful learners.