One trick we use to help get ourselves under control or calmed down in class is called the soup trick (or the cocoa trick). When I see the kids acting out or being too silly or hyper I simply say..."Soup Trick". This cues the class to go through a series of several deep breaths. They'll first act like they are holding a bowl of soup or a cocoa mug. Then, they pretend like they are smelling the soup (deeply) through their nose (mmmm, yummy). Then, they pretend like they are cooling off the soup (slowly) out of their mouths (it's too hot). Three or four deep breaths later and we are all calmed down. Forever people have known to take slow and deep breaths to help regain control of a situation. This is just a cute and creative way of getting first graders to do it. Try it at home!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Things We Do in Class!
One trick we use to help get ourselves under control or calmed down in class is called the soup trick (or the cocoa trick). When I see the kids acting out or being too silly or hyper I simply say..."Soup Trick". This cues the class to go through a series of several deep breaths. They'll first act like they are holding a bowl of soup or a cocoa mug. Then, they pretend like they are smelling the soup (deeply) through their nose (mmmm, yummy). Then, they pretend like they are cooling off the soup (slowly) out of their mouths (it's too hot). Three or four deep breaths later and we are all calmed down. Forever people have known to take slow and deep breaths to help regain control of a situation. This is just a cute and creative way of getting first graders to do it. Try it at home!
