Circle of Control Activity

Overview

In this activity, the student will explore the concept of control by identifying areas of life that they can influence and items they cannot control. This hands-on exercise helps in reducing anxiety by directing energy toward changeable aspects of challenging situations.

Objectives

• Understand the difference between what is in our control and what is not.
• Apply this concept to everyday scenarios generating less overwhelm during stressful situations.
• Enhance problem-solving skills by focusing on actionable areas.

Materials

• Pre-prepared cards or slips with various scenarios written on them.
• Two large sheets of paper or a board labeled "Things I Can Control" and "Things I Cannot Control".
• Markers, stickers, or any craft supplies to decorate and engage.

Steps

1. Introduction: Briefly explain the idea of control. For example: "Just like a superhero knows which powers they can use and which they can't, we can learn to understand what we have control over, and what we cannot change."
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Sorting Exercise: Lay out the cards with different scenarios on the table. Some example scenarios might be:

   • "Deciding what to have for lunch."
   • "The weather outside."
   • "The way a friend behaves."
   • "How you react in a challenging situation."

   Ask the student to pick a card, read the scenario, and decide whether it belongs under "Things I Can Control" or "Things I Cannot Control". Place the card in the appropriate category.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Discussion: After sorting all the cards, review each category. Ask guiding questions like:

   • "Why do you think you can control this situation?"
   • "What can you do about it?"
   • "If it’s something you can’t control, what might help you feel better?"

   This aims to reinforce the learning through conversation and reflection.

4. Application: Ask the student to think of a personal situation where they felt stressed. Together, determine what part of that situation is in their control and what isn’t. Discuss strategies to focus on the controllable part.
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Wrap-Up: End the activity with a recap. Reinforce the idea that, as a superhero, focusing on what can be changed helps build confidence and reduces feelings of helplessness. Encourage the student to try this sorting exercise anytime they feel overwhelmed.

Follow-Up

• Reflection Journal: Have the student write or draw about one scenario from their day and label which parts they can control and which parts they cannot.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Further Practice: Use Circle Of Control Activity For Kids as a digital or guided reinforcement tool in other sessions.

Teacher Tips

• Use clear, simple language and visuals to help explain the concept.
• Praise the student for their efforts and validate their feelings even when discussing scenarios outside of their control.
• Adjust the difficulty of scenarios based on the student's comfort level and understanding.

This activity is designed to empower the student with the knowledge to distinguish between what they can change and what they must accept, ultimately enhancing their ability to self-regulate and advocate for themselves in challenging situations.

Superhero Self-Regulation Game

Overview

In the Superhero Self-Regulation Game, the student will step into the role of a superhero to practice self-regulation strategies in a fun, interactive environment. By engaging in role-playing scenarios, the student will learn how to apply calming techniques and problem-solving skills when faced with challenges.

Objectives

• Reinforce self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing, counting, and using fidget tools.
• Encourage the student to identify and articulate feelings in challenging situations.
• Offer practice in role-playing, helping the student see the connection between

Reflective Discussion: Superhero Strategies

Introduction

Welcome to our reflective discussion! Today, we'll talk about your superhero journey in learning how to manage your feelings and ask for help when you need it. Just like a superhero has a toolkit of powers, you now have strategies and ideas to help you feel calmer and more in control.

Discussion Prompts

1. Remember the Superhero Moments:
   Think back to the lessons where you learned about self-regulation and self-advocacy. What superhero strategy did you like the most and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Real-Life Superhero:
   Imagine you are in a moment when you feel really overwhelmed at school. Which part of your superhero toolkit would you use first? Can you explain how it helps you feel better?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Speak Up, Superhero:
   Sometimes, superheroes need to ask for help. Can you share a time when you wished someone had asked for your help, or when you wanted to ask for help yourself? How did that make you feel, and what did you learn from it?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Mix and Match Strategy:
   If you could combine two superhero strategies to create a new one, what would it be? Explain how these strategies together might help you in a tricky situation.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Follow-Up Questions

• What do you think is the most important reason for having a plan like your superhero toolkit?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How can you remind yourself to use your strategies when you start to feel upset or frustrated?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Reflection Time

Take a few moments now to think quietly or write down your answers to the questions above. Remember, just like any superhero, you are always growing stronger with practice and reflection.

My Superhero Plan

Welcome Superhero! This worksheet is your personal guide to using self-regulation and self-advocacy strategies. Work through the questions below and fill in your plan. Remember, you are in charge of your feelings and can be your own hero!

Part 1: Recognizing When I Need Help

1. Think about a time when you felt really stressed or upset at school. What happened? Write down or draw what happened.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why do you think you felt that way? What part of the situation made you feel upset?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. List one or two things you could do to ask for help in a similar situation in the future.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: My Self-Regulation Strategies

1. Look at the different strategies you learned (like deep breathing, counting, or using a fidget tool). Which strategies do you think can help you feel calmer? Write them below.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Draw or write about a time you used one of these strategies. How did it help you?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. If you could create a new superhero strategy just for you, what would it be? Describe your new strategy.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Building My Superhero Toolkit

1. Create a list of your superhero tools (self-advocacy and self-regulation techniques) that you can use when you feel stressed.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Draw your superhero toolkit. It can include symbols or pictures for each strategy.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Great job, Superhero! This plan will help you remember your strategies. Keep it safe and refer to it whenever you need a little extra help to tackle tough moments.