Writing/Completing WorkSituational Stressor

Triggers:• Student feels the assignment is too hard.

• Student feels overwhelmed, student may have difficulties understanding curriculum or keeping up with the pace of the curriculum.

• Student has difficulty getting thoughts down on paper.

• Student has difficulty with handwriting mechanics.

• Student is worried about making a mistake.

Thinking Strategies:Student Positive Affirmations

• I have important things to say.

• I can manage this if I take it step by step. (Appendix E, Reference 16)

• I have good ideas.

• I will sit up in my chair, which makes me strong to write.

Positive Adult Praise• Believe in yourself.

• Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

• You put so much thought into your writing.

Activities• Brain Sprinkles- How to make: $3 sugar jar, fill with rice and glitter. Tape the inside opening closed. How to use: Sprinkle imaginary brain powder above the heads of all students in need of increasing thinking, problem solving, and coping. Adaptation: Use all glitter in a salt or peppershaker and sprinkle glitter on the desks of students before tests, writing, or math. (See Activity Template N) (17)

Focusing & Calming Strategies:• Stoking the Fire – Have students briskly rub their hands together to generate some heat. Then students place the palms of their hands over their closed eyes. Take a moment to imagine what thoughts they will put down on paper.

Movement Poses & Breathing (See Appendix C)

• Alternating Nostril Breathing

• Contented Cat

• Calm Down Dog

• Wring Out the Worries

Sensory Strategies: Activities

• Prior to a writing assignment, have the students massage the palm of their hand and each finger.

Tools• Chew gum

• Print writing paper or worksheets on colored paper - Try green, blue, lavender and pink to create a sense of calmness, balanced emotions and reduce stress. (30)

Teaching MomentDo not try to relax your mind. Relax your body and your mind will follow. (23) Completing mindful activities teaches the student to live in the present moment. Teach them not to worry about what is going to happen next or dwell on past experiences.

Developed by: Alisa Deininger, OTR/L, Sarah Kolic, OTR/L & Denise Young, COTA/L (2016) for Every Moment Counts: Promoting Mental Health Throughout the Day. All of the Calm Moments Cards and supporting materials are free and downloadable in the Embedded Programs tab at www.everymomentcounts.org