Free Resources

The Impact of Emotional Healing in Achieving Our Goals

Many of our greatest desires in life include the need to heal emotionally, overcome limiting mindsets, and learn how to confidently interact with people different from ourselves. When we find healing and peace within, are empowered to be our highest selves, and learn how to positively interact with people with whom we disagree, we not only improve all parts of our lives as individuals, but we can also expect to see improvements in social, emotional, familial, psychological, occupational, economic, financial, political, intercultural, and environmental challenges as we pass these skills on to future generations. Preparing ourselves to work together and valuing ourselves and others for our unique differences are keys to greater community collaboration that will solve the challenges that impact not only humans but all life on Earth. This starts from within each individual as we learn, heal, and gain the skills necessary to be empowered to reach our full potential. After healing, harnessing each individual's strengths, values, and unique experiences to meet their goals is key to greater positive change in families and communities. Positive social and emotional change for a more harmonious and safe world is inside each of us. The life, emotional intelligence, and decision making skills learned through the activities below are crucial to learn early in life and especially vital to pass on to future generations. 

To complete the activities please follow these steps: 1) After opening an activity, click on "File" at the top left corner, 2) Click on "Make a copy", 3) Give it a name (if you want to change it), 4) Click the blue button that says "Make a Copy." It is now a personal copy located in your own Google Drive where you can find it and work on it at your own pace. 

Helpful Hints: 

1) There are links imbedded inside the activities that will help you understand the material better and give you a break from reading. 

2) Take your time. The activities are not mean to be knocked out as quickly as you can. Self-reflection takes time, but it is so worth it!

3) You will get out of this what you put into it. The more honest you are with yourself the more helpful it will be to you.

4) As you come across personally meaningful ah-ha moments, consider writing a brief reminder and sticking them somewhere you can read them aloud every day. Examples: "I am creative and loving", "I am capable of making choices that will positively impact my future", Every experience is an opportunity", or "Be true to you."

5) Consider keeping a journal of your thoughts, feelings, goals, plans, and growth. When you feel discouraged, this can be a great tool for encouragement.

6) Please schedule an appointment with me if you feel stuck or overwhelmed. 

Reflecting Inward Life Coaching Activities 

(in suggested order to overcome obstacles and reach your goals)

Why Is It Important to Reflect Inward?- 

1. Understand how knowing yourself deeply is key to finding what you really want in life and how to get there.

Having A Growth Mindset- 

1. Define, compare & contrast a Growth Mindset vs a Fixed Mindset

2. Learn why having a growth mindset is important today

3. Understand what it means to be determined

4. Make a plan using a growth mindset

Self-Discovery & Goals- 

1. Identify interests, passions, hobbies, strengths, & values

2. Consider: “Who am I without social & cultural expectations?”

3. Answer: “What does it mean to be true to myself?”

4. Set goals: Identify what you do and don’t want to experience in life & how to successfully achieve them

5. Determine your life (and career) goals by answering “how can I support society in a way that is meaningful to me personally?”

Being True to You 

1. What does it mean to you to be true to yourself? 

2. Why is it important to do so? 

Overcoming Comparing to Others

1. Understand why we compare ourselves to others

2. Discuss why comparing is (largely) unnecessary and harmful

3. Understand that social status is manmade and can be man-changed

4. Think critically about individually overcoming comparisons

Overcoming Fear of Failure, Rejection, & Generally Uncomfortable Situations 

1. Understand the root of your fear

2. Build your self-confidence to challenge your fear

3. Practice accepting "no"

4. Build up your resilience to do uncomfortable things through exposure therapy

Challenging Limiting Beliefs/Overcoming Mental Obstacles 

1. Identify what thoughts you have that may be limiting your beliefs about yourself and the world

2. Challenge those limiting beliefs

3. Replace the limiting beliefs with truth

4. Make a plan to move forward with your newly established truth in mind

Social Trust Part 1: Stereotyping

1. Define stereotypes, bias, prejudice, & discrimination

2. Understand why they exist and how they negatively impact your life

3. Recognize your own bias & stereotypes

4. Learn how to prevent bias, stereotypes, prejudice, & discrimination

5. Have hope in positive social change

6. Make an action plan to be the change!

Social Trust Part 2: Fear of the Outgroup 

1. Learn how unjustified fear can create problems between different groups of people

2. Learn how our unconscious perspective affects our responses to others

3. Reshape false perspectives to avoid potential misunderstanding & conflict

4. Better understand potential causes for others’ behaviors

5. Understand why application of compassion for yourself and others is so important

Conflict Resolution: Setting Boundaries & Enlisting Support

1. Define conflict

2. Acknowledge when conflicts arise for you personally

3. Acknowledging the hidden fear

4. Learn better communication techniques

5. Understand and apply steps to set boundaries and to enlist support

Feelings 101: Vulnerability 

1. Understand why feelings are important 

2. Understand how vulnerability is power

3. Identify your feeling(s)

4. Understand how positive and negative energy impact our relationships

Positive Change Step 1: Self-Discovery (YouTube)

This is a very special program we are rolling out as a part of our BIG PICTURE mission: To uplift and empower individuals, families, communities, and leadership to thrive socially, emotionally, mentally, physically and economically, by providing scaffolded resources and guidance that will increase: healing within and between individuals, emotional intelligence, understanding between diverse groups, compassion for self and others, collaboration with a collectivist mindset, the creation of new, 100% natural, sustainable, fairtrade business opportunities around the world, accessibility and affordability of sustainable, natural products, and working together as one around the world. Step 1: Self-Discovery is where we get to investigate who we are and what strengths we have that make us unique and valuable in a diverse world. In other words, it's time to be healthily proud of all the wonderful things that make you you!

Overcoming Emotional Trauma- (Healing the Child Within)

1. Understand what trauma is, where it comes from, and who it affects

2. Recognize when trauma is causing a problem in our lives

3. Learn how to overcome the effects of trauma

4. Own your story- don’t let it own you

Positive Change Step 2: Healing the Child Within (YouTube Video Guidance)

This is Step 2 for our new program to uplift and empower individuals, families, communities, and leadership to thrive socially, emotionally, mentally, physically and economically, by providing scaffolded resources and guidance that will increase: healing within and between individuals, emotional intelligence, understanding between diverse groups, compassion for self and others, collaboration with a collectivist mindset, the creation of new, 100% natural, sustainable, fairtrade business opportunities around the world, accessibility and affordability of sustainable, natural products, and working together as one around the world. It is guidance on how to heal the inner child (child within).

Positive Change Step 3: Challenging Limiting Beliefs (YouTube)

This is Step 3 in a series on how to create Positive Change in the world. We believe that starting with truly understanding your personal value as a human as well as how your strengths can help you achieve your highest potential is foundational (part 1). We use this positive self-image to support the healing of the inner child that has been taught it's not good enough (part 2) and now we're talking about how to become aware of and challenge the the insecurities the inner child has been feeding. Doing so releases stress and increases positivity in our relationships, inner-selves, perspectives on the world, and even our entire environment through our new approach to life and interactions with others.

Bullying: The Need For Power & Control

1. Recognize the difference between someone who bullies and just a mean person

2. Understand how someone who bullies is created and why they bully others

3. Understand how a person who bullies chooses their victims

4. Learn how to respond in a bully situation

5. Learn how to prevent bullies and victims from being created

Increasing Happiness Techniques 

1. Understanding what makes people happy

2. Ideas to increase happiness

3. Practice happiness techniques to find good fits

Charting Happiness 

1. Recognize and understand what makes you happy and unhappy and why 

My Personal Career Profile 

1. A step-by-step guide taking you from who you are to how to land your dream job

My Life Mission/Purpose Statement 

1. Combine your values, strengths, interests, and passions into one statement that widely defines your life’s mission or purpose 

Career Expert Interview Questions

1. Learn how to request an interview with a career expert

2. Prepare for the interview by creating a list of questions you have

3. Complete the interview

4. Decide if the career is a good match

How Do I Know It's The Right Career Choice? 

1. Have a direction to go/plan when you still aren’t sure which career is a good fit 

Selecting a University & Writing an Admissions Essay

1. Apply your values and goals to choose a higher education path

2. Learn what colleges are looking for in an admission essay and practice your answers

Minimizing the Cost of Attending College

1. Learn about and apply resources that lower the cost of university attendance and maximize time in your life to attend.

GED Prep and Testing Resources

Scholarship Opportunities

1. Scholarships for minorities, specific fields, and even for middle and high schoolers to experience their dream career before committing to it!

Job Interview Tips 

First Impressions Job Interview Slideshow

Ms. Heather's Stories

My Journey in Overcoming Comparisons -This was such a freeing experience. I loved myself and others so much more after this experience.

Being Untrue to My Values Made Me Suffer - Why it's important to avoid taking jobs or making decisions that contradict our values and goals.

How One Person Changed My Life Forever- and how you can be a hero to someone else.

Communication is Hard - How I learned to be more aware of my thoughts and feelings during challenging communication situations and to practice emotional intelligence to find peace within myself and my relationships.

My Six Flags Experience - How I used self-guided exposure therapy to overcome a debilitating fear that kept me from being free to experience life to the fullest. 

School of Positive Transformation Resources (Positive Psychology)

I have completed over 400 Positive Psychology activities as part of my Positive Psychology Practitioner Certification. These activities are copyrighted by the School of Positive Transformation. However, they have granted me permission to share on an individual coaching basis as needed. These resources are in pdf form and must be emailed. If you are interested in activities on the following topics, please email me (or chat with me) directly about your specific challenge/concern, and I will send you an appropriate activity that may fit your needs.

Altruism (Being selfless-seeing others and their needs as equal to your own)

Character Strengths (How to apply your personal VIA Character Strengths in daily life and focus on increasing desired strengths)

Improving Relationships

How to Be An Everyday Hero (Even the smallest acts are heroic. What are some you can do today that will help improve the world?)

Mindfulness & Meditation (Being more present and aware of now instead of focusing on what you don't have, the past, or the future)

Positive Education (Especially in classrooms)

Positive Emotions and Love

Positive Health: Psychological, Social and Physical

Positive Organizations & Leadership

Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth (How can we achieve our goals when everything seems to push us down?)

The Meaning & Purpose of Life (As defined & discovered by you!)

The Science of Happiness (What does science say about the impact of happiness on individuals? Families? Communities? etc.)

Strengths, Intelligence, & Personality Assessments

Positive Change Step 1: Self-Discovery (YouTube) Video 1: Self-Exploration Guidance 

This is a very special program we are rolling out as a part of our BIG PICTURE mission: To uplift and empower individuals, families, communities, and leadership to thrive socially, emotionally, mentally, physically and economically, by providing scaffolded resources and guidance that will increase: healing within and between individuals, emotional intelligence, understanding between diverse groups, compassion for self and others, collaboration with a collectivist mindset, the creation of new, 100% natural, sustainable, fairtrade business opportunities around the world, accessibility and affordability of sustainable, natural products, and working together as one around the world. Step 1: Self-Discovery is where we get to investigate who we are and what strengths we have that make us unique and valuable in a diverse world. In other words, it's time to be healthily proud of all the wonderful things that make you you!

VIA Character Strengths Test Ms. Heather's (Just in Case You're Interested) VIA Activities For You 

High 5 Strengths (Free Equivalent to Clifton Strengths 2.0) (Example Descriptions of all 20) Ms. Heather's (If interested)

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Test (Mine are intrapersonal and interpersonal)

Big Five (OCEAN) Personality Test Ms. Heather's  (Just in Case You're Interested)

Myers-Briggs Personality Test  Ms. Heather's (Just in Case You're Interested) Careers by Myers-Briggs Personality 

The Bird (DOPE) Personality Test (Ms. Heather's are Peacock and Owl)

Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Assessment (& resources)

"Sensitive: The Untold Story" (HSP documentary available on Amazon Prime).

Emotional Intelligence Quiz

People Skills Quiz

Overcoming Emotional Trauma (It's estimated that 80% of the world has experienced significant enough trauma in childhood to negatively impact all parts of their lives as adults. Find out who you are without it!)

The Importance of Life and Career Guidance For Youth and Young Adults

Many education systems around the world (including in the U.S.) are structured to benefit those going to college but not to help students find who they are, what they want, how their strengths can get them there, or what kind of education/training is necessary for their desired path. With life and career goals, you will have the motivation to focus on education that will get you to where you want to go. Reflecting Inward Life Coaching will help you overcome any limiting beliefs you might have about your abilities or your future and will guide you in discovering a personally meaningful career path that fits your individual interests, values, and goals. We then help you focus on the path to get there. This includes assistance in locating free tutoring, finding funding for higher education (if necessary for your goals), and engaging in valuable career experience opportunities prior to high school graduation. 

Finding a career that is personally meaningful to you ensures that you feel your life and purpose are contributing in a way that is uniquely and genuinely important to you!! Also, feelings of meaning, fulfillment, purpose, contentment, happiness, personal success, making a difference, positive change, hope, growth, financial stability, job consistency, and of personal flourishing are all more likely to be experienced be when you are in a career that aligns with your personal values and strengths.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." 

– Albert Schweitzer

I want you to understand that I am here for you. Yes, this program can be done independently. However, if you ever feel discouraged reach out! We can have a personal coaching chat about what is challenging you. Also, everyone learns differently. If you're struggling with the method of learning (Google Docs), we'll problem solve together so you can get the most benefit out of it.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

― Albert Einstein 

Career Exploration

My Personal Career Profile -This is the whole career exploration process in one document. It is long but don't let that discourage you. Work on it one section at a time. Use the videos below to guide you and chunk the workload. It's not a race. Take your time and be thoughtful. You will get out of this what you put into it. The more honest you are with yourself the more helpful it will be to you. 

Video 1: Self-Exploration Guidance 

Video 2: Career Exploration Guidance 

Video 3: Career Expert Interview & Shadowing/Experience Guidance 

Video 4: How Do I Know I'm Choosing The "Right" Career?  

Video 5: Making A Plan To Move Forward Guidance 

**See the "Life Coaching Activities" section for other great coaching resources not contained directly in this document.**

Career Coaching Process -more of an outline-great for teachers using the program.

Careers by Myers-Briggs Personality Type

My Next Move: Explore Career Descriptions & Fit 

How Being Untrue to You Can Make You Suffer 

Career Expert Interview Questions 

Growth Mindset 

Internships & Apprenticeships

For local (State sponsored) apprenticeships & internships, Google: "internships in (your State name)" or "apprenticeships in (State)" and make sure you skip down under all of the ads. It should say something like: labor.idaho.gov" (Department of Labor for Idaho) or "dir.ca.gov" (Department of Industrial Relations for California). It will be specific to the the department that runs internships and apprenticeships in your state.

U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program 

Apprenticeship.gov 

U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Locator 

LinkedIn 

Indeed 

Monster 

Internships.com 

Academic Assistance/Tutoring

Your local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club should offer *free* academic assistance after school hours. 

Google "YMCA near me" or "Boys and Girls Club near me."

Khan Academy (FREE)

School House World (FREE online Peer-to-Peer TUTORING-by Sal Khan of Khan Academy)

IXL (FREE customized learning & guidance, K-12 curriculum, & complete analytics)

Huntington Learning Center

Kaplan (Test Prep)

Tutor.com

Study.com (relatively cheap courses-especially if transferring to university credits).

College Prep

Selecting a University & Admissions Essay Prep 

Minimizing the Cost of Attending College 

Scholarship Opportunities 

University of the People- (a NO TUITION university. There are course fees but no tuition. Lowest accredited university cost with grants and scholarships available. If you are interested in Health Science, IT/CS, Business Management, or Education they offer certificates, Associates, Bachelors and Masters degrees 100% online. Their aim is to make higher education 100% accessible regardless of your financial status). 

Videos

(Please check out our Social Media for videos created by RILC)

Trauma

What Is Trauma?- (YouTube: details)

Amygdala Hijack & Emotional Intelligence- (YouTube: simplified)

Trauma & The Nervous System- (YouTube: simplified with visuals)

How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across A Lifetime- (TED Talk- Nadine Burke Harris)

Healing (Reparenting) the Child Within- (YouTube) I walk you through the steps of reparenting/healing the child within

Healing the Child Within Reparenting Guide- (If you don't want to download the video above with video, you can use this guide)

Stereotyping, Bias, Prejudice, & Discrimination

Amygdala Hijack & Emotional Intelligence- (YouTube)

Prejudice, Stereotyping, & Discrimination Explanation- (YouTube)

The Danger of A Single Story- (TED Talk-Chimamanda Adichie)

Don't Put People In Boxes-- (YouTube)

More In Common Than You Think? (YouTube)

Do All Black People Think the Same?-  (YouTube)

Do All White People Think the Same?- (YouTube)

The DNA Journey: Ancestry- (YouTube)

Hiker Sees A Curious Marmot- (YouTube)

What Is Trippin With Todd- (YouTube-Story Trek Host)

What Makes You Special?- (TED Talk- Mariana Atencio)

Being a Good Listener- (YouTube)

If You Feel Stuck, Watch This- (YouTube)

Dealing With Gender Stereotypes- ("Why I'm Done Trying To Be 'Man Enough'" TED Talk- Justin Baldoni)

Happiness

Measuring Happiness- (YouTube)

...The Key to Happiness-  (TEDx Talk- Polly Young-Eisendrath)

The Power of Vulnerability- (TED Talk-Brene Brown)

Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe- (TED Talk- Simon Sinek Challenge the lies!)

Overcoming Habits/Limiting Mindsets

A Simple Way to Break A Habit- (TED Talk- Judson Brewer)

Reflecting Inward YouTube Channel 

Gratitude

Effects of Expressing Gratitude- (YouTube)

Positivity

How to End Negative Self-Talk- (YouTube)

Positive Change Step 1: Self-Discovery (YouTube)

Grit

Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance-  (TED Talk-Angela Lee Duckworth)

Fulfilling Career/Job  

Meaningful Work is an Obligation pt1- (YouTube)      

Meaningful Work is an Obligation pt2- (YouTube)

How to Find Fulfilling Work- (YouTube)

Why Some of Us Don't Have One True Calling- (TEDx Talk- Emilie Wapnick)

Books/Authors Ms. Heather Has Found Insightful

(tip: check with your local library and/or used bookstores)

Healing the Child Within by Charles Whitfield (awareness, healing)

Awareness is Freedom: The Adventure of Psychology and Spirituality by Itai Ivtzan (awareness, perspective, healing)

The Outward Mindset by The Arbinger Institute. Also check out: The Anatomy of Peace and Leadership & Self-Deception (perspective)

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (perspective, awareness, healing)

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle (anything by Tolle- perspective, awareness, healing)

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (anything by Brené- perspective, healing)

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza (spiritual awareness, perspective, power of thought)

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer (perspective, healing)

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo (this is a good resource to start talking with youth about emotions and the impact of trauma on their lives)

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté (perspective, awareness, motivation for positive change)

The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things by Barry Glassner (perspective, awareness)

Parent as Mystic Mystic as Parent by David Spangler (role of parents)

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen (perspective, awareness, motivation to value truth/honesty- pretty heavy/academic feeling to read- consider trying the audiobook)

The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life by Dan Buettner (awareness, motivation, physical healing/health, balance- also check out The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100)

The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner (awareness, motivation, physical healing)

Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman (awareness, perspective, healing- also check out Flourish)

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than Your IQ by Daniel Goleman (awareness, perspective- reads a little more academic)

Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, PhD (awareness, perspective, healing)

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman (awareness, perspective)

Waking Up in 5D by Maureen J. St.Germain (awareness, perspective, meditation, meaning- more spiritual/abstract)

 **Some resource links may change over time. If a link does not work, please email me at ms.heather@reflectinginward.org

Goal Setting

The Positivity Institute Resources 

Challenging Limiting Beliefs 

Happiness

The Positivity Institute 

How to Be Happy: 23 Ways to Be Happier

25 Habits of Successful & Extremely Happy People 

Happiness & Wellbeing App Suggestions: Track Your Happiness Improve Wellbeing Boost Your Happiness 

How to Reframe Negative Thoughts 

UPenn Authentic Happiness Questionnaire Center (many questionnaires on various topics-create free account)

Ikigai: Reason for Being

Hope

Combatting Hopelessness 

Career Exploration

Careers by Myers-Briggs Personality Type

My Next Move: Explore Career Descriptions & Fit 

How Being Untrue to You Can Make You Suffer 

Career Expert Interview Questions 

Growth Mindset 

Internships & Apprenticeships

For local (State sponsored) apprenticeships & internships, Google: "internships in (your State name)" or "apprenticeships in (State)" and make sure you skip down under all of the ads. It should say something like: labor.idaho.gov" (Department of Labor for Idaho) or "dir.ca.gov" (Department of Industrial Relations for California). It will be specific to the the department that runs internships and apprenticeships in your state.

U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program 

Apprenticeship.gov 

U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Locator 

LinkedIn 

Indeed 

Monster 

Internships.com 

Academic Assistance/Tutoring

Your local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club should offer *free* academic assistance after school hours. 

Google "YMCA near me" or "Boys and Girls Club near me."

Khan Academy (FREE)

School House World (FREE online Peer-to-Peer TUTORING-by Sal Khan of Khan Academy)

Huntington Learning Center

Kaplan (Test Prep)

https://www.tutor.com/

https://study.com/

College Admissions Essays

Selecting a University & Admissions Essay Prep 

Scholarships

Minimizing the Cost of Attending College 

Scholarship Opportunities 

Employment Prep & Interviews

Job Interview Tips 

First Impressions Job Interview Slideshow  

There are notes under each slide. I'd suggest watching in "slideshow" mode, so you don't get overwhelmed with info then go back and read the notes when you're mentally prepared for more details.

*Searching Outward* *Reflecting Inward* *Lifting Upward* *Reaching Higher*

For the world WE'RE gonna make!

Services for Educators:

I am happy to announce that I am now offering Professional Development sessions for educators both in person (locally) and virtually. Topics include but are not limited to:

• Understanding, recognizing, and responding to trauma thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Emotional intelligence (how to recognize when behaviors are associated with irrational thoughts and feelings and respond calmly and rationally)

• Communication and conflict resolution in the classroom (effective group collaboration)

• Seeing outside yourself (combatting attitudes of privilege, selfishness, stereotyping, bias, prejudice, and discrimination)

• Critical thinking (solving real world problems with new ideas, diligence, collaboration, and grit)

• Overcoming irrational thoughts and limiting beliefs ("I can't," "They never," "He should," What if?," "I'm too," etc.)

• Dealing with bully situations as individuals, peers, and schools.

I am also happy train educators on how to implement any of our program resources in their classroom, after school program, club or organization in general. Please shoot me an email, and we'll be in touch to provide you with the assistance you desire.

Professional Development Resources 

You are invited to read through these slideshows in presentation mode so you don't get overwhelmed by all the words. Don't forget to read the presenter's notes and apply all the information to yourself before using it with your students.

Self-Regulation In the Classroom How to understand and respond (in the classroom) to students experiencing traumatic events.

26 Common Mental Mistakes How to help students overcome a limited mindset and irrational beliefs.

General Advice:

Before implementation in the classroom-

Start with yourself. Do the activities found in the "Life Coaching Activities" section above for yourself (and My Personal Career Profile, if applicable). Apply the skills and techniques yourself to help you understand students better and to help them resolve social and emotional challenges for a more emotionally and socially intelligent environment. Have compassion for them and take the time to find and give them what they emotionally need. I know what you're thinking: 'with what time?!' Create cross-subject lessons to knock out as many standards as possible in a shorter time, leaving more time to handle social/emotional situations as needed. Look for opportunities to teach social/emotional skills within the lesson (i.e. group collaboration to solve real world problems in emotionally intelligent ways-ie valuing others' strengths and perspectives). Model the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors you want them to practice. Don't be afraid of being emotionally vulnerable (appropriate conversations for age/maturity level). Frequently, teachers feel they need to have a front or appear to be "in control" or assertive to retain the respect of their students. I have found, however, that students want and need adults that will talk to them about life and that are willing to relate to them on a human level. It was always when I was open and willing to show my emotions (which also show care and concern) that my students started to be more trusting, apply more effort in classwork, and believe in their potential. There is understanding in shared emotions no matter the story behind them or where the human comes from.

During implementation in the classroom-

Always start with knowing your student's strengths. See the Self-Discovery Resources above to help them find their their strengths, personality, intelligence, etc.

Know the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) personalities in your classroom. These kids may be seem like loners, quiet/"shy" and even distance themselves from others, especially groups. They are generally highly intelligent, introspective, deep thinkers, problem solvers, and frequently undervalued for seeming removed or "anti-social." They are easily overwhelmed by overstimulation from their environment. Their brains process everything  going on around them and don't seem to shut off. They struggle to balance all the input and may even use "strange" coping mechanisms such as running away to the bathroom to cry, covering their ears, or closing their eyes to avoid overstimulation. They frequently have difficulty sleeping as well, which leads to needing naps throughout the day and potentially difficulty processing information-especially in classroom settings and during exams. Some kiddos may have trauma they're dealing with. Others may simply be HSPs. There is nothing "wrong" with HSPs, but they frequently feel different, not up to standard, and unacceptable compared to the social norm. It is not "diagnosable" or "treatable" besides learning appropriate coping skills. If any of this sounds familiar, I invite you to check out a free quiz from Dr. Elaine Aron here and read her book "The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When The World Overwhelms You." The unique attributes of an HSP make them invaluable in the world, but they are frequently dismissed because they don't seek the lime light or promotion. Some famous HSPs whose contributions have had a great impact in the world include: Mozart, Jane Goodall, Abraham Lincoln, Nicole Kidman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Princess Diana, Albert Einstein, Steve Martin, Martin Luther King Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Emily Dickinson, Barbara Streisand, Frida Kahlo, Elton John, and Sting. These kiddos need to know they're ok and that they have support to be true to themselves and reach their full potential...by their own standards. 

"Sensitive: The Untold Story" (HSP documentary available on Amazon Prime).

However, if they don't seem to be HSPs, perhaps there is deep emotional trauma they're dealing with that is negatively affecting their lives socially, emotionally, mentally and academically. This is when applying the information in "Overcoming Emotional Trauma" will be helpful-even in the classroom. You can find this resource under "Life Coaching Activities."

Promoting Emotional Intelligence

Preparing today's youth for leadership we want to see tomorrow starts with teaching them emotional intelligence skills. I suggest the following activities in the order given to build a foundation for emotional intelligence. Take the time to pause and help them work through thoughts and feelings when you see behaviors that need attention. I'm happy to do a PD with your staff or come to a class (if in LA County) to demonstrate how this would look, just shoot me an email and let me know what you're looking for!

It is crucial that you do the activities yourself first. Find peace and calm within yourself before trying to teach them. When you are able to understand and communicate better with students, they will learn from observing you and follow suit. If you're having specific challenges, let me know and we can do some problem solving together. The following exercises have been successful with as young as 4th graders. Please feel free to make specific adjustments for the needs of your class. Students can "Make A Copy" and edit their own version.

Having A Growth Mindset

Self-Discovery & Goals 

Being True to You 

Comparing to Others

Overcoming Fear of Failure, Rejection, & Generally Uncomfortable Situations 

Challenging Limiting Beliefs 

Social Trust Part 1: Stereotyping

Social Trust Part 2: Fear of the Outgroup 

Conflict Resolution: Setting Boundaries & Enlisting Support

Overcoming Emotional Trauma- (Healing the Child Within)

Bullying: The Need For Power & Control (this is written for use in classroom discussion. It is suggested that you break it down and complete it over the 5-day-period your school has chosen for anti-bullying education or in parts as needed throughout the year)

Mindset Resources 

(Mindset sets the stage for future success. Start early!)

You have the superpowers to encourage and implement a positive mindset for your kiddos alongside the required curriculum- without much more effort. It's all about your own mindset first! Do some research and find the things that fit the best with your flow and teaching style. If I can support you in any other way, please reach out! 

Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance TedTalk (increase grit/growth mindset by challenging them to evaluate and fix problems after every failure....until they succeed. Encourage thinking & talking that sounds like: "I wonder..." & "what if...?")

The Challenges of Measuring Meaning & Purpose 

Positive Psychology in the Classroom 

Positive Education 

Suggested Resources to Implement a Growth Mindset in Your Classroom: (I receive no compensation for recommending these- I just find them very useful)

Growth Mindset Activity (there is a beginner and advanced activity at the end)

The Outward Mindset  I absolutely LOVE the Outward Mindset---I developed my colorful Classroom Motto above from its principles and implemented them in my own classroom. I highly recommend that you talk to your admin about completing the training workshops for professional development hours. They are relatively expensive, but you can have one person at the school be certified as a trainer, and then they can train all staff.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (book)

Who Owns the Ice House?: Eight Life Lessons... (book)

Growth Mindset School Programs (Middle and high school options are available. Talk to your admin!)

Entrepreneurialism isn't about starting a business anymore, it's about learning to think and respond in innovative ways to solve problems all around us and using a growth mindset to make a difference in ways that are meaningful to us personally. (Ding ding ding!! Critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration for real world problems!! Perfect principles for the classroom!)

“Let’s stop asking students what they want to be when they grow up and start asking them what problems they want to solve and what do they need to learn in order to solve those problems.” --ELI Mindset 

"...recognized the benefits of entrepreneurial education as not only new job creation and economic growth, but also “increased societal resilience, individual growth, increased academic engagement, and improved equality." -ELI Mindset 

"Accordingly, UN policy recommendations include embedding entrepreneurship in formal and informal education starting at the primary school level, developing effective entrepreneurship curricula, training teachers, strengthening the institutional framework, and establishing partnerships with the private sector...If we are to create innovators and entrepreneurs by design, we must adapt teaching and learning methods that look beyond traditional means. Rather than relying on rote memorization and standardized testing, we must encourage self-directed peer-to-peer learning. We must encourage students to learn by doing, immersing them in experiential problem-based learning experiences that encourage them to solve ill-structured problems within highly ambiguous resource-constrained circumstances where the path is not clear and the rules are not well defined."  - ELI Mindset 

Yippee!  (free resources/products for entrepreneurial education in the classroom. You do training/learning yourself to get points and use the points-if the product requires any- to "purchase" products for your school/classroom. Genius!!)

Young Entrepreneur Institute Resources (A little bit of everything. Check it out!

Thriving Learning Communities-  (Classroom resources created that are aligned with VIA Character Strengths.)

Elementary

My suggestion for elementary teachers (even 1st and 2nd grade) is to help students find their strengths (see the "Self-Discovery Resources" section above). I used Gardner's Intelligence through 4th grade. Post reminders on the classroom wall and refer to them often with individual students and as a class. I did a spider web with yarn and grouped kids by type of Intelligence. You can also put their Gardner's Intelligence and Love Language on their desk name tag to remind you how to approach and encourage them and remind them of how awesome they are every time they look at it. 

Thriving Learning Communities-  (Classroom resources created that are aligned with VIA Character Strengths.)

Although the "Overcoming Obstacles" resources themselves would be difficult to complete in early elementary grades, the principles found in them can be used with students as early as Kindergarten with things like playground issues, behavior, or communication challenges with other students. Take what you need and help those kiddos see other perspectives to avoid bias, prejudice and discrimination as well as how to recognize when their amygdala (fear) is in control in a situation instead of the truth.

Career Coaching/Guidance 

(5th grade and up)

As with lower elementary, I suggest helping students find their strengths ("Self-Discovery Resources" tab above). My Personal Career Profile and the Career Coaching Process can be used with students starting as early as 5th grade. I would recommend doing activities up through Career Exploration on mynextmove.org (perhaps even Career Experts Interviews at your discretion) with 5th through 7th grades. This isn't just about work, but an opportunity to discover their interests that they may not get in other environments. It is more reasonable to start doing Career Mentorships/Internships and so forth around 9th grade. Students whose desired careers require a higher education will have a solid goal and motivation to keep certain grades up in 9th-12th grades. You are welcome to make adjustments according to your students' abilities and needs. My Personal Career Profile is something you can pretty much just have the student do on their own with some light guidance from you. They just make their own copy (under "File") and rename it with their name. The Career Coaching Process is more of a brief outline of the same information to see the flow easier (similar to a lesson plan).

My Personal Career Profile- (For students- make a copy & rename)

• Check out this awesome scholarship opportunity for middle and high schoolers to experience their dream career before committing to it!

Career Coaching Process- (For teachers to glance at as a guide)

Minimizing the Cost of Attending College- (Time and money are the two main reasons people don't attend college. When they are aware of the available resources, they start to see possibilities. Help your students remove the barriers.)

Selecting a University & Admissions Essay Prep- (If necessary or desired for career of choice).

Thriving Learning Communities-  (Classroom resources created that are aligned with VIA Character Strengths.)