Helping to calm and redirect | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

How can you practice calming skills in the classroom?

Know it before you need it! Show them calming skills during circle time, practice calming as a group when someone is upset, take deep breaths together

What might children be trying to communicate when they show big behaviours?

Fear, anxiety, discomfort, pain, overstimulization

What are some things you can do to regulate and calm down in a tough moment?

Take a deep breath, ask for a coworker to swap position with you, talk to someone about your feelings

What are some jobs that you could give to children to help out with?

Line leader, door holder, line caboose, hand washer (checks that they all washed hands), pass out milk/snacks

What are some good toys to keep in a cozy corner to help children to calm down?

Squeezy toys, stuffed toys, blankets, non-breakable items.

What are some fun ways to greet your children in the morning?

Use your greeter aprons and give choices! Offer high fives, hugs, handshakes. Ask them what voice they'd like to be greeted in (loud, quiet, etc)

What is a fun example of a way to walk to and from the playground with your kiddos?

Walk like ninjas, creep like spies, hop like a frog, buzz your wings like a bee.

What are some classroom transitions that you do everyday?

Playtime -> lunchtime, inside play -> outside play, lunchtime -> naptime

What can you do in the classroom to make transitions easier?

Make the transitions quicker, use songs/games, create consistent routines, use visual tools, have less transitions

What are some sensory objects or toys that children can play with?

Feathers, water, playdough, sound makers, light up toys.

What are some quiet toys or games that a child could play with on their cot at naptime if they refuse to sleep?

Books, stuffies, wooden puzzles, try to avoid small parts or objects that make noise if thrown.

What's an example of a safe way that children can express their frustration?

Banging on drums, stomping on the floor, pushing on the wall

Give us an example of some choices you can give a child to make them come inside from the playground?

Do you want to walk next to me, or do you want to hold my hand? Do you want to walk like a penguin or jump like a frog?

What are some fun ways that you can encourage a child to take deep breaths in the classroom?

Blowing a bubble, making rain sounds, blowing a dandelion.

What does the Conscious Discipline acronym S.T.A.R stand for?

Stop, Take a Deep Breath and Relax! Taking a moment, and helping children to do this in the classroom will help them to self-regulate.

What does the Conscious Discipline acronym Q.T.I.P stand for?

Quit Taking it Personally! This is a great reminder that children are not out to get you! They are just trying to communicate!