These questions are designed to initiate conversations about having a calm and relaxed mindset. They provide opportunities for students to think through what it means to be calm and peaceful and how to be self-aware about creating that calm in their own sphere. The discussion provides a way to apply the affirmation to each of the five core competencies of social and emotional learning.
We provide the idea-starters with the intent that teachers can develop creative variations to adapt to age-appropriate use for their students.
SEL Discussion Resource: I AM CALM, RELAXED AND PEACEFUL
Self-awareness
- Write or say the affirmation together: I am calm, relaxed, and peaceful
- Describe the state of your physical body when you are calm and relaxed. Consider your breathing, mental focus, muscles, digestive system, sleep, facial expression, heartbeat, and more.
- When you are relaxed and peaceful, what emotions do you experience?
- What feelings do you experience when you are the opposite of calm, relaxed, and peaceful?
Self-management
- When you want to calm yourself down, what are some expressions you can include in your self-talk in addition to “I am calm, relaxed, and peaceful”?
- Explain why self-talk matters. What does it do in your brain?
Responsible decision-making
Sometimes we need to challenge our thoughts. We might be worked up about something without thinking it through. Give an example of a way you could boss back these negative thoughts to calm your mind:
- I quit. This is too hard.
- I’m going to fail for sure.
- No one will hang out with me anyway.
- Even if I study, this is hopeless.
Social awareness
- When a friend is becoming upset, what do you observe in their actions, their facial expressions, and their words that gives you a clue to how they are feeling?
- What can you do to help someone calm down while still validating their feelings and not ignoring how they feel. (Example: discuss how the phrased “calm down” or “stop thinking that way” aren’t helpful.)
Relationship skills
- When you have a difference of opinion with friends, how can you have a peaceful discussion where everyone is heard and appreciated for their differences?
- Discuss why listening is important for understanding how others can feel differently from us in the same situation. How does listening help you to be calm, relaxed, and peaceful?
- Describe how it feels to resolve a conflict peacefully.
Next week’s SEL focus: I AM A WINNER
To find the full-size posters to use in your classroom (or the magnet or postcard size) visit our store.
Suggestion for virtual learning:
- Purchase a pack of 30 postcards for the teacher to hold the appropriate one up to the screen during discussion.
- Purchase a pack of 30 small hand-off notes for each student to have at home with them. This allows for an interactive and hands-on experience.
