Overview & Integration

Core 4:

Engagement

AQuA:

7B: Enables participants to develop life skills, resilience, and self-esteem via activities

CASEL Competencies:

Relationship Skills, Social Awareness

6DQ: Engagement in Learning

Sharing and responding to clear expectations

Overview

Have you ever felt really big emotions but didn’t know how to communicate them to others? Don’t worry, this happens to people all the time. Learning to communicate our emotions is something that takes time and practice. When emotions feel overwhelming, we can stop and breathe. Take some time to gather your thoughts and share how you are feeling by using “I” statements such as, “I am feeling sad because…” or “I am feeling angry because…” By doing this, we are able to let our feelings out so they don’t feel so overwhelming.

But words aren’t the only way to communicate. We can communicate through hand gestures, body language, charades and even through smiles. Our actions can often speak even louder than our words and communicate a great deal to those we meet. Take some time this week in school and at home to practice communicating in other ways besides speaking. Notice when it is easier to communicate this way and when it is more difficult!

Reflection Questions

Share about a time this week when your emotions felt really big.
How can you communicate with your teacher or family when your emotions get too big?
Why is it important to communicate our feelings to others?

What makes it hard to communicate with someone?
What do you do when you are having trouble communicating with someone?
What are some ways that we communicate with others? Which way do you use the most?

Arts/Crafts Reflection Questions

What can you do when you are getting frustrated while making a project?
How can you communicate your feelings through art?
How did you feel while making this art or craft?
How well did you communicate your needs to others during this time?

How can we use art to communicate with others that speak different languages?
What does your work communicate about you to others?
When people see your artwork, what do you want them to know about you? Why?

Games/Physical Activity Reflection Questions

How well did your team communicate today?
When was it hardest for your team to communicate?
What can your team do differently next time to communicate better?
What emotions did you feel during this game?

What did your team do when people were getting frustrated?
How can we calm our team down when everyone is getting frustrated?