Introduction

Teaching students how to manage their thoughts and feelings is crucial for their social-emotional growth. One effective tool is the Self-Controller Scanner, which helps students identify when they are losing control and choose the best strategy to regain it. This blog post will introduce an easy, no-prep activity that educators can use to teach students about the Self-Controller Scanner and discuss related skills that can further support their development.

No-Prep Activity

Introduce the Self-Controller Scanner with the following activity, which requires no preparation or materials from the educator:

1. Ask students to sit comfortably and close their eyes.
2. Guide them through a body and brain scan, asking them to focus on their thoughts and feelings at that moment.
3. Encourage students to identify any emotions or thoughts that may be distracting them or causing them to lose control.
4. Ask students to think of a strategy they can use to regain control, such as taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or asking for help.
5. After a few minutes, have students open their eyes and share their experiences with the class.

This activity helps students practice using the Self-Controller Scanner and become more aware of their thoughts and feelings.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about the Self-Controller Scanner and related concepts:

1. Why is it important to be aware of our thoughts and feelings?
2. What are some strategies you can use to regain control when you feel overwhelmed or distracted?
3. How can using the Self-Controller Scanner help you in different situations, such as at school, at home, or with friends?
4. Can you think of a time when you used a strategy to regain control of your thoughts or feelings? How did it help you?
5. How can we support each other in using the Self-Controller Scanner and managing our emotions?

Related Skills

Teaching students about the Self-Controller Scanner is just one aspect of their social-emotional development. Here are some other relevant skills for students:

• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help students become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and respond to them in a more controlled manner.
• Emotion Regulation: Learning to identify and manage emotions effectively is essential for maintaining control and making good decisions.
• Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness helps students recognize their strengths and weaknesses and understand how their emotions can impact their behavior.
• Problem Solving: Teaching students problem-solving skills can help them address challenges and regain control in difficult situations.

Next Steps

Interested in exploring more activities and resources to support your students’ social-emotional development? Sign up for free samples of the Self-Controller Scanner and other related materials at Everyday Speech. With these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to help your students build crucial life skills and become more resilient, empathetic individuals.