JumpStart - Let's Do This!

​Hello!


I get it.  We're all crazy busy these days and could use a little positivity.  As an SEL Coach, I've been trying to figure out a way to connect with people in a way that can scale.  Facebook? YouTube channel?  New podcast?  But like I said, we're all busy. So let's keep it simple, and have a weekly email.  

Back in the days of being a Tech Coach, I produced a weekly Tech Tip for my district over several years, and people found it useful.  Hopefully, the same will happen here.

The formula will be simple:

• a positive intention/quote
• a quick exercise you can physically do (breathing, movement, visualization, etc.)
• an SEL resource for either you and/or your classroom 
• a joke

Let's get started!

*****************************************
WEEK #1:  SELF-ACCEPTANCE

"You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens."  -Louise Ray

Self-esteem can be wrapped up in self-evaluation and how you perceive yourself through the filters of your past experiences.  How did your family value you growing up?  Do you feel you make meaningful contributions at work?  Do you feel you belong in a social group?  Each of these questions requires you to compare yourself to an outside standard and the opinions of others.  

What about your opinion of you?  This is self-acceptance.  This is the root of your personal power. 

Try this mantra this week:  "I love myself, I believe in myself, I support myself." Put it on a post-it on your monitor or your mirror so you can start each day with positive self-talk.

*******************************

​*******************************
RESOURCE:  Moozoom

I recently had a tour of the Moozoom interface, and I was impressed.  It's new and out of Toronto, developed by an attorney whose daughter needed such a tool.  

Tagline:  Moozoom helps Elementary School Students learn how to handle everyday challenges in just 30 mins per week.

It fosters engagement (as much as a screen can) with choose-your-own-ending videos with real kid actors.  It would be best, I think, with a teacher following along in a whole-class setting (with the scripts they provide!), but it can also be assigned for individual viewing.  Moozoom is marketed for grades 1-6, but I think 3-6 would be more accurate.  It has decent reporting, and a great user interface/experience.  

The first module is free.  If you try it, and it's something you like, let me know.  The representative seemed willing to work out some bulk discounts even for you smaller schools who can't ever seem to get those discounts.

*******************************
JOKE:  

My teacher accused me of plagiarizing my paper.
His words. Not mine.

*******************************
Have a fantastic week!