My students are in need of items to help them express their emotions and feelings when they meet with me in counseling sessions or are in their classroom.
My students and our school are diverse in many ways including background knowledge, parental support, first language and socioeconomic status.
Even though students have varied backgrounds, our school is very welcoming and all faculty work together to insure that students feel safe and successful. In Gator Gatherings, small group, and individual counseling, we work very hard to make sure these factors do not make children feel like they can not be successful.
My Project
My students will use the materials in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:
1. Relaxation: The simple act of playing with play-doh, squishing & rolling it, can be very enjoyable for both children & adults. This can help them to relax, focus their attention, & relieve stress. Having play-doh--or other "fidget toys"--available can also make it easier for children to talk with the counselor. For children who are anxious or unsure about counseling, they may feel more comfortable being able to talk and open up as they play. For children with a lot of energy, having something to play with in their hands can help them to release their energy in a contained manner & focus on the conversation.
2. Anger Release: Play-doh & clay are great materials for allowing children to safely express their anger. In helping children with anger, I talk about the idea that when we get angry that energy needs to go somewhere. One safe way to release anger is to pound & smash the play-doh.
These play-doh sets will make a difference in my classroom by given my students an outlet to express their emotions.
Many times when students are given a fidget or something squishy to play with, while they talk about what is bothering them they are much more open to discuss things.
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