Making Summer Plans - Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Hi McKelvie!

We are officially EIGHT days away from summer. Can you believe it? Summer is going to look very different this year. Packed beaches, pool parties, concerts, and barbecues are some of the many things we typically look forward to in the summer, but they might not be happening in the same way this year. That can feel really hard and upsetting. It is okay to feel sad about the summer traditions you are missing out on this year. In fact, is is healthy to let yourself feel that sadness and frustration. Remember, we are all in this together. We will find ways to get through this.

We can't control the spread of coronavirus, the CDC guidelines, or the cancelation of our favorite summertime activities. When something is outside of our control, it is important to take a deep breath and let it go. Worrying about it is not going to make the outcome any different. During these uncertain times, we need to focus on what we can control. So, what can we do about summer plans? How can we still enjoy all that summer has to offer, while still staying safe and socially distant?

Think about your favorite thing to do over the summer. How can you change or adapt that activity to make it socially distant and safe? Here are a few examples:

• Going to the beach --> Take a drive to the coast. If it is allowed, park your car and walk along the beach while maintaining distance. If it isn't, drive along the beach and enjoy the views!
• Going camping --> Take your tent and set it up in your backyard for a stay-at-home camping adventure.
• Outdoor concerts --> Bring your laptop outside, livestream your favorite band, and create your own concert in your backyard!

For even more summer fun ideas, check out our list below!

• Plant a garden
• Have a backyard bonfire
• Backyard camping
• Have a backyard concert or movie viewing
• Try out a new takeout restaurant
• Learn to cook, grill, or bake
• Write positive messages with chalk on your driveway
• Complete random acts of kindness for your neighbors
• Water balloon toss
• Corn hole
• Nature walks
• Fishing (in a secluded area)
• FaceTime/Zoom game nights with friends
• Try a new craft
• Do an at home science experiment
• Visit a museum or art gallery online
• Read a new book (Mrs. Cote has so many awesome resources to help you find a "just right" book!)
• Movie night
• Try a new exercise or sport
• Take a drive to a new place

Summer can still be fun and full of new adventures! We hope you enjoy your summer and cannot WAIT to have you back at McKelvie with us soon!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 25, 2020

Hi Mindful Students!

Today's mindfulness activity is a Body Scan. The purpose of a Body Scan is to slow down and notice how your physical body is feeling. It helps to not only relax our physical body, but our mind as well.

As you practice each step in this Body Scan, take your time. There is no need to rush. Once you finish, notice how your body might feel differently than when you started.

If this was an activity that you liked, let me know! I would love to hear how it went for you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Having Self-Compassion - Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Hi McKelvie,

Today's topic is all about self-compassion, or being kind to yourself. Things are stressful right now. As a world, we are going through unprecedented times without an end date. It is easy to get caught up in negative self-talk.  It's easy to be unkind to ourselves. The more that we are unkind to ourselves, the more frustrated, stressed, and emotional we become.

The next time you notice yourself talking negatively to yourself (I'm not good at this, I hate myself, I just want this to stop, etc.), try to practice these three steps:

Admit to yourself that you are struggling. Remind yourself that we are all going through this stressful time together. Remind yourself that you are worthy of kindness and acceptance. You are doing the best you can.

If you have a hard time with this, reach out for help! Your school counselors, teachers, and parents are all here for you. 

Hang in there. We WILL get through this together.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 18, 2020

Happy Mindful Monday!

Today's mindful activity is called, "Dissolve a Thought."

As you visualize your thoughts forming as clouds above your head, I want you to just notice the thought. Recognize it for what it is. Do not judge it. If you are thinking, "I am so sick of remote learning," that is okay. Try not to tell yourself that the thought is good or bad. It just is. After you breathe in and visualize the thought, watch it dissolve and float away.

These activities might feel unnatural at first, but that's because you have never practiced it before! Keep practicing, visualizing, and breathing. 

I hope your Monday is a wonderful one.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 11, 2020

Happy Mindful Monday!

Today's mindful activities are two simple things you can do when you need to take a moment to slow down. When you feel your mind starting to race or you start to feel a little anxiety, stop and take a moment to try one of these activities to help slow yourself down and mindfully come back to the present moment.

It is also so important to practice mindfulness activities even when you aren't feeling anxious or stressed! By taking time each day to sloooowwww down, your mind and body will be more at ease.

You can either practice these activities on the computer or print them out to try.

Have a peaceful Monday,

- Ms. Galluzzo

You Were Made to Be Awesome - Wednesdsay, May 6, 2020

Dear McKelvie,

We could all use a little pep talk and reminder to stay positive. During these crazy times, I want you to remember that you are awesome, you were made to do big things, and we are all in this together.

Send me an email and let me know what you are going to create that will make the world more awesome.

You've got this!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 4, 2020

Hi McKelvie!

When things get stressful, or when we just need to take a moment to bring ourselves back to the present, the best thing we can do is to just breathe.

Sounds simple, right?

There are so many different ways to focus on your breathing as a way to calm your mind and calm your body.

Here are a few of our favorites. Try them out and let us know which one you liked the best!

Riding the Waves

• Begin by lying down on your back. Allow your head to be propped up enough so you can see your belly. Find something to place on your belly - maybe your hands, a pillow, a book, or a favorite stuffed animal.
• Focus on your breath, bringing it into your belly, and just notice as your bellow slowly moves up and down, watching the object you chose as if it were gently bobbing on the waves of the ocean.
• When your mind wanders off, which it inevitably will, just bring it back to your belly, and focus your eyes on whatever is riding the gentle waves of your breath.
• Listen to the sounds of your breath... feel it all together... and just breathe like this for a few minutes until your breath has slowed down.

Lazy 8 Breathing

4-7-8 Breathing

• Breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds.
• Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.
• Exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a “whoosh” sound, for 8 seconds.

Star Breathing

The specific way that you practice your deep breathing does not matter. All that matters is that you take a few moments each day to just breathe.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo