DRAGON Breathing practice
A great release strong emotions while also granting time to process before impulsive action.
INHALE through the nose for 2 counts with as much air as possible. HOLD for 2 counts
EXHALE through the mouth for as long as possible while blowing heavy breath (fire) out. 4 or more counts **Make as much noise as you can with the out breath.
Bonus: for extra release move arms high over head during in breath and pull them down and back towards shoulders on an out breath (like wings extending out and open)
REPEAT 3 times
What is bullying? And how can it be prevented?
Bullying is behavior beyond conflict, or unkind words it is actions that have 3 P’s
1) Purpose (Intent to Harm): The behavior is not an accident or a joke; it is deliberately intended to cause emotional, physical, or social harm.
2)Pattern (Repetition): The behavior happens more than once or has the potential to be repeated over time.
3) Power (Imbalance): The person bullying has more power (higher social status, greater physical strength, or is part of a group) than the person being targeted.
Bullying can be verbal, emotional, physical against the person, physical against property or involve exclusion. Bullying can happen in-person or on-line.
Empowering tools to teach children to prevent bullying (3Rs)
Recognize- what is and is not bullying, distinguish the difference between true bullying and disagreements, or mean moments. Sometimes disagreements are opportunities to learn and practice healthy social skills. Some unpleasant interactions are part of developmentally appropriate learning and teach children empathy, curiosity and how to self advocate. Bullying is not the above but ongoing and severe in nature and needs to be stopped.
Refuse-use assertive communication to remain calm while still expressing boundaries and needs. Examples: Say, “Stop. I don’t like that.” Walk away confidently. Stay with a group.
For younger children use visual comparisons: express yourself like an owl- wise, watchful and action orientated versus unpreferred reactions like a lion - who attacks or mouse who hides and runs away.
Focus on boundaries and personal actions in communication. "If... then I will........"
Report- If the behavior is unsafe or does not stop- Have the student tell a member of the school staff, a parent or someone else who can help them. Our school does have an incident report form that can be filled out and sent to our assistant director Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form. Serious or life threatening reports should be made right away to SafeUT (link on our website under resource menu) or local police. Relevant information will then be sent to our school to follow up on.
Important distinction to teach: Reporting = is seeking help VS Tattling = trying to get someone in trouble
Image by stockgiu on Freepik "/> Additional reading to reinforce learning
Ease the Teasing by Kim John Payne M.Ed
5 Phrases Your Child Can Use to Stand Up For Themselves- Big Life Journal
Teaching Your Kids to Handle Unkind Words and Set Boundaries- Big Life Journal
Check out our school or local library for children’s books that teach more about kindness
1-I am Love: A Book of Compassion, by Susan Verde
2- Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson.
3- A Little Spot of Kindness by Diane Alber
4- Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
5- Have You Filled a Bucket Today? By Carol McCloud
6- What Does it Mean to be Kind? By Rana DiOrio
7- Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup
School Calendar