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Goal

Many of our students are experiencing really big feelings. These feelings can actually feel too big for some of our students to deal with in an appropriate way, causing them to disengage from learning and to get into trouble. The goal of this project is to teach students at Herbert Cambridge Elementary how to identify these feelings and to give them a safe space with specific, actionable steps to help them calm themselves down. This space will allow students to proactively channel those big emotions and physical impulses to better manage their feelings appropriately and help them return to the classroom ready to learn. 

What will be done with my students

All students and teachers will be introduced to and taught how to utilize the Active Calming Corner, which consists of nine physical and mental tasks that help them calm down and cooperate. Many experts remind us that all behavior is a form of communication, and that 'acting up", "acting out" or physical restlessness often precedes an emotional meltdown or outburst. Students and teachers will be taught to identify these cues and students can proactively utilize the Active Calming Center. They will work through the 9 physical and mental tasks that begin with moving major muscle groups, and then progress to crossing the midline, stretching, task accomplishment and deep belly breathing culminating in a calm safe space allowing them to return to class calm, refocused and ready to learn. Bright colors, varying textures and simple tasks such as, 'Stomp It Out', 'Trace the Rainbow', and 'S.T.A.R. Breathing' encourages success and engagement. 

Benefits to my students

The benefits of the Active Calming Center for students will be many, both immediate benefits of maximizing student time and energy focused on learning in the classroom, as well as the future benefits of managing their emotions by learning important self calming strategies to use throughout their school careers and the rest of their lives. Students will also experience an increased sense of self esteem as they are able to proactively manage their emotions and behaviors, lessening the need for discipline, consequences and negative feedback from other students, while increasing their learning and academic success in the classroom.  

Budget Narrative

The purchase of the Active Calming Center will be a tangible tool to help teach important calming techniques and strategies and is a resource that can be used year to year to help students build and practice these important life skills.  

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