Frankie, a young member who is quick to anger & react, was really upset recently by something in the classroom.
Normally he destroys his schoolwork, throws books, or worse. Frankie has experienced trauma many times and we know he learned these coping mechanisms.
At the Club, we’ve been working on emotional awareness and mindfulness. This includes bulletin boards with each Members’ name & emotional zone. The board also lists some strategies for self-care & wellness in each feeling zone.
When Frankie got angry, he walked up to the board and moved his name to the red zone (upset, mad, frustrated, etc.). Instead of being destructive, he took deep breathes, slowed down, closed his eyes, and then moved his name back to the yellow zone (happy, calm, ready to learn)!
Excitedly, he explained to staff how he influenced his emotions, calming down without being violent.