An Introduction To Mrs. Bloom
The Zones of Regulation
I think it’s important for students to develop knowledge and insight about their emotions and how this might impact them at school or during interactions with others throughout their day. The Zones of Regulation teach about 4 different “zones” an emotion can fall into. The goal is for kids to know how to get back to the green zone which means they are “ready to learn”.
Students learn which zone a certain feeling can be associated with and, in addition, they learn coping skills and tools to get back to the green zone. These lessons are also helpful to teach empathy and awareness about how other people are feeling.
Kelso's Choices
Have You Seen this Frog?
During the first few months of I will be visiting students in K-3rd classes to talk to them about Kelso. Kelso is a frog that assists children in identifying and solving problems between people. According to Kelso, there are two sizes of problems: big and small.
Small problems are not very dangerous and not very scary. Children can work to solve their own small problems using self-generated solutions or using some of Kelso’s solutions (see solution wheel below). Kelso asks children to try at least two of his choices before going to an adult for assistance.
Big problems are scary, dangerous and can result in physical injury. Children should not attempt to solve big problems on their own. They should seek help from adults they trust.
If a child brings a small problem to you without first trying to solve it on their own, the best thing to say is: “Is this a big problem or a small problem? Is it very scary or dangerous (no) Okay please use one or two of Kelso’s choices to try to solve this on your own. I’d be happy to hear how you solved the problem afterwards.” After your child has solved his/her problems be sure to provide the appropriate reassurance and positive feedback for a job well done.
Kelso’s program empowers children to identify and solve their own problems. Teachers and parents have reported a decrease in tattling/telling tales after using this program. Children appreciate having options from which to choose and to be given the opportunity to positively affect their own environment.
All of the elementary students know Kelso and his methods to solve problems, as this program is used school wide from kindergarten to grade 5. If you use this language at home your child will be exposed to a consistent response from adults and will begin to respond to conflict with more independence. With consistency, all our students can become independent problem solvers!
Second Step
The Second Step curriculum is used for all of the grades from early learners to middle school. Second Step is researched based and built to help your students with social-emotional development and overall well-being. Not only do they have resources for students but they also have programs for adults! You can learn more about the Second Step Program here.
