Parents
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Self-talk, ANTs and Super Power Questions
Welcome back after the winter break! This month children in grades 2 and 3 are learning about self-talk, automatic negative thoughts and how to challenge those thoughts. We read a book called, “Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions,” written by Daniel G. Amen. Self-talk is automatic, temporary and usually not based on the truth. It comes and goes like the wind and sometimes we get stuck in negative thought patterns. There are three types of self-talk: helpful – the kind that cheers us on and motivates us to keep going, unhelpful – this is where our inner critic shows up and the last type is neutral – not helpful…
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Emotional Regulation
In Division 5, we are discussing three key players in the brain and how they impact our mental health in our daily lives. The way we regulate our emotions impacts our relationships, the way we communicate with others and how we approach challenges. These are a few videos on this topic.
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Digital Literacy with Family Smart
Hello Families, Today I want to share information about an organization called Family Smart. It’s an organization that supports child and youth mental health and helps families by providing support in connecting families to resources and services. Every month, they facilitate presentations called “In the Know,” on a variety of topics presented by experts in the area. See the latest video called, “A Conversation for Families about Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health.” Summary of the presentation: As parents, we struggle with balancing our children’s time spent in the digital world and what we consider the real world. It’s not easy to know how much time on technology is too much…
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Focus Time
When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.
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Downtime
When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge. Downtime is an unplanned activity that can lead us to many different opportunities. It could happen between activities like when we are waiting for the next class to start or waiting in the line up at the bank. Downtime is particularly useful when we have come to frustration about something. It leads to creativity and insight. Whatever was the cause of the frustration is solved.
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Physical Time
In addition to physical health benefits, physical activity also improves cognition, brain function and mental health. How much physical time is needed to maintain brain function and mental health? Sweat – 60 minutes daily Step – several hours daily Sit – less than two hours Sleep – 9 to 11 hours How can we follow though on these guidelines at home? Yoga Ballet at Home Level 1/2 Ballet with Heather Foster from Arts Umbrella on Vimeo. YMCA or just a good old fashioned dance party! Start making your best day…..click the image to get started. I hope you enjoy these resources to get your brain and body healthy! Ms.…
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Healthy Mind Platter – Playtime
When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain. Adults also benefit from play as it makes the brain younger, relieves stress, and improves relationships and connections to other. According to Bob Hughes, (play theorist in the UK) there are 16 types of Play. Below are a few examples. Division 6 – This week, write a comment or send me a photo of how you got your daily intake of playtime. Fun activities: Vancouver Public Library is doing a bookface contest until May 11th. See example: Lunch…
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Mental Health Week May 4-10
Mental Health week in Canada was created to bring awareness and acknowledgement of the thousands of children, youth and families needing mental health support. In classrooms, to help students understand mental health, I tell them that all of us have mental health, just like physical health. It’s the way the brain reacts to everyday life events. Therefore, it is a priority to take care of the health of our minds so that we can adapt to the challenges that life presents to us no matter how big or small they may be. Dr. Stan Kutcher is the leading professional in the field of mental health. He is a Senator,…
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Connecting Time
When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain’s relational circuitry. Think of 3G 2P – Generosity, Gratitude and Giving back – People and Planet This week, write a comment or send me a photo of how you got your daily intake of Connecting Time. anna.aquila@burnabyschools.ca
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Healthy Mind Platter
Hello Families, I would like to share the Healthy Mind platter by Dr. Dan Seigel and David Rock. It is a great way to get the essentials that the brain needs daily. Watch the video for an explanation and click the image of the platter to get more information. https://www.drdansiegel.com/resources/healthy_mind_platter/