As a school counselor, I work with an amazingly diverse and spirited group of middle school students. While middle school can be difficult, I am always amazed by their resilience, vulnerability, and empathy for others amidst their own personal struggle.
Learning healthy coping skills is an important piece of growing up.
Together, we work hard to regulate our emotions and understand ourselves a little bit better. We practice naming our feelings and using inclusive language. We engage in brave conversations over coloring pages and Connect Four. We tackle conflicts through restorative conversations. We find ways to practice kindness when dealing with our friends and school community.
My Project
The goal of the Zen Den is to create an environment where ALL students feel safe and supported. Every item on this list has been carefully selected to create an experience that facilitates emotional regulation. Whether that is connecting over a board game or engaging with the sensory manipulatives, students need a safe space to regulate their emotions.
Providing an escape from harsh lighting and rigid seating can make a huge difference for students who struggle to feel comfortable in the school environment.
Similarly, a safe space for negative emotions can make all the difference for students whose feelings tend to manifest into negative behaviors.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Cunnien and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
