#AltruisticAugust Quote of the Month:

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."

 

- Seneca

August Calendar

Action for Happiness Calendar #AltruisticAugust. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people—doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. It involves acting out of concern for the well-being of other people.

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/calendar_download/images/Aug%202022_0.jpg 

 

Week #2: Notes of Appreciation

Give each student in your program sticky notes and ample opportunity to write positive messages addressed to one of their teachers and/or peers. Locate an empty wall in your program and have students place their notes of appreciation on the wall. Read out the notes and watch the faces of students and staff light up.

 

Week #3: Role Playing-Compassion

Have students create a role-play where they show compassion. For example, what would compassion look like if: A friend is confused by what the teacher said? Someone in your afterschool program is sad because their mother is in the hospital? Your sister is crying because she didn’t make the basketball team? A new student is feeling lonely and left out? Have students perform their role-plays for the class.

 

Week #4: Feelings Charade

In Feelings Charades, students will have a chance to demonstrate one emotion. The rest of the class will guess what the emotion is. The person who is doing the charade cannot speak – they must use facial expressions or body language to get classmates to guess the emotion. Write down different feelings/emotions on slips of paper. Place them in a bowl and take turns pulling them and acting them out. Once the correct feeling/ emotion is chosen the person that guessed correctly gets a turn.

 

Week #5: Fixing the Community

Do your students feel like they are part of their community? Many students feel they are, but they might become more compassionate people if they’re part of their town’s community. Even the best communities have homes and businesses that need repair work. Think about what projects your students can do to help “fix” their community or school.

#JumpBackUpJuly Quote of the Month:

"Don't judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

 

- Nelson Mandela

July Calendar #JumpBackUpJuly

Action for Happiness Calendar #JumpBackUpJuly. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/calendar_download/images/Jul%202022.jpg

 

Week #2: Using fun games to build resilience

It’s impossible to know exactly what trials and challenges life will throw your way, but there are steps you can take to equip kids with the skills they need to overcome those hurdles. Here are a few activities that not only help with building resilience in children, but they will provide kids an afternoon of fun, too! Facing adversity can create some difficult moments for kids, but if they’re prepared, they will come out on the other side much stronger.

 

1. Build a trust walk: Building trust in others and developing a support system is an important step in overcoming adversity. Set up a trust walk/obstacle course to teach the kids about being brave and earning trust. Have students partner up and led each other through a simple obstacle course while blindfolded. The blindfolded students are forced to rely on the advice and support of their partner to complete the course. Afterwards, talk about how they felt while completing the course.
2. Form a compliment circle: It might not seem obvious, but practicing kindness is an important part of building resilience in children. This is a fun game; the only thing is you need at least six kids to play. Have the kids sit in a circle with their legs stretched out in front of them. Pick one child to go first. He or she will pick someone else in the circle to give a compliment to. Once you’ve received a compliment, you pull your legs in (crisscross applesauce style) so everyone knows you’ve received one already. Keep going around the circle until everyone has received praise. The real trick to the game is getting kids to give compliments on something other than visual traits. Try to have them avoid things that have to do with looks so the compliments are more meaningful. This is harder for younger kids and takes some practice.
3. Musical Chairs: This is an oldie, but a goodie, because one of the hardest lessons to learn when you’re trying to build resiliency is that you don’t always win—and that’s OK. Start the game by having the same number of chairs as players, so that everyone has a seat the first round. Then round by round, remove a chair each time so there’s always one child out when the music stops. Kids will experience emotions connected to being the odd one out and learn how to cope with those feelings. Talk about it at the end of the game, so kids get a chance to express what they’re internalizing.

 

Week #3: The resilience tree exercise

To use the analogy of a tree, resilience comes from having strong, wide roots that reach deep down into the ground in order to prevent the tree from being toppled over by storms or high winds and allow it to right itself even when knocked off balance. When we are resilient, our roots reach downwards - into ourselves - and outwards, towards community and connection, so that we feel safe, grounded, and nourished, and can then blossom.

https://spacetobreatheuk.com/resilience-tree

 

Week #4: Letting go of the small stuff

Humans have somewhere between 12,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day. Some are helpful, some are pleasant, some are insignificant, and others can linger in our minds and get in the way of what we’re doing. There are no one-size fits all when it comes to helping children manage nagging unhelpful thoughts. Some kids really connect with the idea of being a “thought detective” and analyzing their thoughts by coming up with evidence that can ultimately challenge and change the way they think about things.

 

1. Write down their thought and let them go on a balloon: Ask students to think about a nagging thought that has been on their mind. To help demonstrate, come up with some examples of your own. A common anxiety-provoking thought may start with “what if…” Give each student a balloon. Have students blow up their balloon as big as they can. Give students a permanent marker and have students to write down their thoughts on the balloon. If they don’t like writing or are too young to write, they can draw a picture, or you can help. Then…let the balloon go. This is a great opportunity to have a conversation with the students about how letting go of the thought made them feel. What was it like to watch it fly away?
2. In or out of my control: Students begin by tracing their hands onto the paper. On the inside of the hand, write, “In my control.” On the outside of the hand outline, write, “Out of my control.” Now, students will write or draw the things that are in their control on the inside of the hand. They could write things like: my behavior, my thoughts, the words I choose to say, the words I choose to keep to myself, the way I react to others, etc. On the outside of the hand, students will write things that are not in their control. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxacynVqWd8&t=15s

 

Week #5: Building emotional resilience

Emotional resilience, a person’s ability to “bounce back” after setbacks, to learn from past failures and be willing to try again, is vital to students’ long-term success. We know that this is especially challenging for students dealing with trauma, but it’s important to realize that all students can benefit from spending time developing this skill. The good news is, emotional resilience can be taught, practiced, and reinforced. In fact, emotional resilience activities for kids often fit perfectly into lessons about reading, writing, speaking, and listening, making them perfect mini-lessons in most classrooms.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-step-process-building-student-resilience

#JoyfulJune Quote of the Month:

"Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day."

 

- Alice Morse Earle

June Calendar #JoyfulJune

Action for Happiness Calendar #JoyfulJune. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/Jun%202022.jpg

 

Week #2: Everyone is Important

https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/

Build a strong community by allowing students to see the program as a safe, caring environment and provides support as we navigate the unknown. Guide students though a guided meditation, to help refocus and center ourselves. This can help set the tone, for a calm and safe place. GoNoodle Flow, have free online guided meditation videos to lead the practice. https://www.gonoodle.com/tags/WwJzlw/flow?tab=videos

 

Week #3: Colors and Joy

This activity, allows students to express joyful emotions using color. Using pictures from artist Edward Hopper, have students to look at the pictures and describe the mood and feelings of the pictures, and which colors guide them in their thinking. Ask, “How does the following color make you feel?” (Yellow, green, pink, blue, gray, black) Using magazine pictures, have students create a collage of colors that show joy, happiness, sadness, and sorrow. You can find more works of art by Edward Hopper https://www.edwardhopper.net/

 

Week #4: Joy and Movement

This activity allows students to listen to music that they find joyful. Invite students to share what kind of music they enjoy listening to, and what kind of music makes them feel joyful. Play joyful music for students and have them to dissect what about the music makes them feel joyful.

Ask, “What is happening to your body, as you hear joyful music?” Now play music, with a slower beat.

Ask, “What is happening to your body, with slower music?” “How does slower movement and speed make you feel compared to faster movement?

Ask, “How does the music you listen to usually make you feel?” “Why do you think it makes you feel that way?” “Is it because of the words or the music?” “If the words to a sad song were put with joyful music, how would you feel?”

 

Here is a list of music titles you can use for this activity:

• “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” Rodgers & Hammerstein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5APc0z49wg

• “Ode to Joy” Beethoven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uooe16ILaPo

•  “La Bamba” Ritchie Valens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSKJQ18ZoIA

• “Johann Pachelbel-Cannon in D,” percussion rhythms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUkOmdAbXU 

• “Blue” LeAnn Rimes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdIQx1Wowand 

• “Don’t Worry Be Happy” Bobby McFerrin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

#MeaningfulMay Quote of the Month:

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

 

- William James

May Calendar #Meaningful May

Action for Happiness Calendar #MeaningfulMay. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/May%202022.jpg

 

Week #2: Journal Prompts/Discussions for all Ages

https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/

This activity is a great way to practice and normalize kids sharing ideas with their peers.

Everyday for one week, choose one of the following prompts to share with kids. The prompts can be used as a writing activity, or as open discussion.

1. Choose a spring flower that symbolizes your personality and explain why you chose it.
2. What is a dessert that reminds you of spring, what memories are attached to it?
3. If spring didn’t exist anymore, and you had to repeat a different season, which one would you choose and why?
4. If you graduated college today, which career would you pursue?
5. If you could move to a new town and have a fresh start, would you? Why or why not?
6. Would you rather spend 2 hours in a car, plane, or boat, and why?
7. Imagine you can only use two ingredients to bake a cake. Which ingredients would you choose?
8. National Chocolate Chip Day is May 15^th! Name something that doesn’t usually have chocolate chips in it, but should?

 

Week #3: Positive Thinking Affirmations

Positive thinking is a powerful tool that can improve your health, help you manage stress, overcome challenges, and make better choices. The idea is that by changing your thinking, you can control your emotions and your actions. Positive thinking skills often start with positive self-talk, which means using the voice in your head to say positive thoughts about yourself or a situation. (Examples: “There is no one better to be than myself.” “I am enough.” “Today, I choose to be confident.”) Have students list 10 positive thoughts and affirmations they can say about themselves.

 

Week #4: A Letter to Yourself

https://www.futureme.org/

In this activity, each student will write a letter to his or her futures self, detailing what every they wish. This can be details of their life now, a poem, or their future goals.

 

Week #5: Breath Counting- Mindfulness Practice for Tweens and Teens

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/mindful_breathing

Students learn to focus on their breathing patterns by counting each breath to manage stress, anxiety, or to start the day with focus. 

#ActiveApril Quote of the Month:

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."

 

- Jim Rohn

April Calendar #ActiveApril

Action for Happiness Calendar #ActiveApril. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/Apr%202022.jpg

Let’s get physical outdoors by exploring a new sport or continuing your favorite form of exercise. By being physically active, students learn how to focus, regulate their emotions, and practice goal setting. Checkout the latest Action for Happiness calendar for ideas to get kids moving! #ActiveApril

 

Week #2: Sanford Health fitBoost Cards

https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/

Stretch and discuss physical activity. Help kids get fit and recharge their energy. Help kids learn about the connection between energy level and the desire to move. Use the FREE printable Sanford Fit cards, to engage youth in fun movements to support a healthy body. Signup for FREE.

 

Week #3: Earth Day Activities

https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/earth-day-activities-for-kids/

Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day brings the world together to celebrate, and it’s the perfect time to educate kids about climate change and how they can work to protect our home with Earth Day activities for kids.

 

Week #4: Discover Yoga

https://www.namastekid.com/tool-type/kids-yoga-poses/

Engage youth in discovering yoga. Youth can practice mindful breathing, as well as meditation. Learning yoga can help youth to energize their bodies and focus their minds while stretching and strengthening their muscles. Checkout the full free library of yoga poses for kids at Kids Yoga Poses.

#MindfulMarch Quote of the Month:

"If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything."

 

- Thich Nhat Hanh

March Calendar #MindfulMarch

Action for Happiness Calendar #MindfulMarch. Connect with others and spread kindness.

 

Week #1: Action Calendar

https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/Mar%202022.jpg

 

Week #2: Mindfulness Coloring Pages

https://truthbetoldquotes.com/activities-teaching-resources/quotes-to-color.html

Mindful coloring asks us to focus on how we choose and apply color in a design, to bring our awareness to the present moment.

 

Week #3: Breathing Exercises

Relax and Breathe: Do Nothing for 10 Minutes Video https://youtu.be/aXItOY0sLRY

Being aware of your breath is a keyway to bring a swift sense of calm, and distance yourself from anxious feelings, so you can look at a situation objectively rather than act quickly as a reaction to stress.

 

Week #4: Sensory Notetaking

You can practice mindfulness even when you’re not in motion—many yogis sit perfectly still in meditation. In this activity, though, you engage all five senses, taking note of what you experience.

 Taste: Place a small piece of chocolate on your tongue. Let it melt slowly, instead of chewing it. Observe the taste and texture. Do you get more of a sweet sensation in certain areas of your mouth? How does your body react to the sugar? 

Smell: Choose something with a high degree of natural aromas, such as an orange or a flower. Inhale deeply. How do the molecules make your mind feel when they reach your brain? What physical sensations arise, and do you have an emotional reaction? Scents can trigger memories and the feelings you associate with them. 

Sight: Pick a random object in the room to focus on for 20 to 30 seconds. Observe the color and texture. Are there any tiny, unique aspects you’ve never noticed before? 

Sound: Put on a favorite song or tune into some relaxing Solfeggio frequency music. What emotions arise when you hear it? Does your body physically react to the vibrations? 

Touch: Close your eyes. Alternatively, place objects with a variety of textures into brown paper bags. Observe by feeling only. How does the material feel under your fingertips? Experiment with more than just fabric—for example, damp spaghetti noodles have an interesting feel. 

 

Week #5: Yoga

https://www.emedihealth.com/wellness/yoga-meditation/yoga-poses-for-kids

Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in school-age children (ages 6 to 12). Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Yoga and mindfulness offer psychological benefits for children as well. A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behavior, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children.

#FriendlyFebruary Quote of the Month:

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up"

- Mark Twain

February Calendar #FriendlyFebruary

Action for Happiness Calendar #FriendlyFebruary

Connect with others and spread kindness.

Week #1: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/1086456/feb_2022.jpg

Week #2: Warm Fuzzies activity

Give each student a paper bag and have them write their names on the bags. Then, provide them with colorful pom poms, glue, and markers so they can decorate their bags with “warm fuzzies.” Then, set the bags around the room. Have students write one nice thing about each of their classmates on Kindness Cards or slips of paper and drop them in the corresponding bags. When finished, each student should have a bag filled with “warm fuzzies.”

Week #3: Who do we appreciate?

Ask students to think about the people who work in their school and afterschool program. What do they appreciate about these people? Have students write letters of appreciation to these workers, thanking them for all they do and the difference they make in the school or after-school program. Hand-deliver the letters.

Week #4: Don't forget yourself!

Ask students to notice any negative self-talk they might do that makes them feel not so good about themselves. Give them sticky notes and markers and have them write a positive affirmation to combat each negative thought. For example, “I’m not smart enough” can become “I am always learning new things!” Then, instruct them to post the sticky notes in places where they are likely to see them every day, such as the bathroom mirror — and whenever the negative thought creeps in, replace it with the positive one!

#HappierJanuary Action for Happiness Calendar

Join us each month for a new theme and activities to work with your students!

This month is #DecemberKindness and Action for Happiness is reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can really turn a day around or make a frown turn to a smile. Kindness is contagious and with 2021 coming to an end, finish the year strong and do something kind for someone. Time and attention doesn't cost money and those who are close to you will appreciate the moments you spend with them.

#DecemberKindness Quote of the Month:

"No act of kindess,

no matter how small,

is ever wasted."

- Aesop

Week #1: Action for Happiness Calendar 

Week #2: Kindness Tree

Create a tree and have kids make leaves or hearts and on them, then write random acts of kindness or good deeds on those leaves or hearts. View the Houston PBS page for more information and ideas for the tree.

Week #3: Kindness Bingo

Download, print, and use these 30 different BINGO cards that list small and large acts of kindness that students may have done in 2021. Cards can be laminated for durability and safety and be wiped down after each use. Ensure to print a second set in order to draw blocks out of a hat or call randomly.  Upon getting a BINGO, have the kid share how they felt after the acts of kindness.

Week #4: Kindness Notes

Teach kids how to write positive notes of gratitude to friends and family. Encourage kids to be specific in their praise, to show the recipient they were seen and heard. For inspirational ideas or examples of what to write, view the Woo! Kids Activities page.

Week #5: Plan A Year of Kindness

Help kids plan goals around how they can create kindness moments all year long. Have kids brainstorm then plan how they can show kindness throughout the year. Examples of small acts of kindness for all ages are:

• Give someone a thoughtful gift (it does not have to be expensive)
  
• Hold the door open for someone
  
• Write someone a thank you note
  
• Send someone an email just to say hello
  
• Call a friend or family member for no reason other than to chat
  
• Pay the toll for the driver behind you
  
• Pay for someone’s groceries at the grocery store
  
• Buy someone a cup of coffee
  
• Let someone cut in in traffic
  
• Help a driver in need fix a flat tire or in some other way

For more ideas, view the Skilled at Life page.

This month is #NewWaysNovember and Action for Happiness is encouraging all of us to learn or try something new. Learning and trying a new activity can be wonderful for our well-being. Keeping our brains active with new and challenging activities can help us get to know ourselves better, challenge our own limits on what we can do, and helps us to create a positive mindset for limitless possibilities.  

#NewWaysNovember Quote of the Month:

"Just try new things. Don't be afraid,

step out of your comfort zone and soar."

- Michelle Obama

Week 1: Action for happiness calendar 

Some of the most powerful teaching happens during causal interactions with the youth we serve. Listed below are some simple phrases and questions that can help make the most of everyday teaching moments

Phrase to Use:

• It’s okay to not know how to do something.
• Not everything works out the way we think it will, and that’s fine.
• All I want is for you to try.
• You don’t have to get it the first time.
• Being nervous means you’re challenging yourself. Good job.
• Everyone has to learn, even the experts.
• It’s okay to take breaks.
• I believe in you.

Phrase to Ask:

• I see your picture isn’t turning out the way you wanted it to. How can you use it to make something new?
• Oops, that didn’t go as planned. What can we do instead?
• What don’t you like about …?
• What would you say to your friend if they felt this way about …?
• What are you afraid will happen if you try …? What makes you feel that would happen? What is more likely to happen?
• What if I try it with you?

Week #2:

Create a “I Can” Can. The next time kids become stressed, or worried about at task they won’t be able to accomplish a task, remind them of all the things they can do, by having them list those things in their “I Can” can. This help to encourage and motivate youth.

Week #3:

World Kindness Day is November 13, 2021. World Kindness Day is a day observed annually, to celebrate kind people and acts of kindness. The main aim of the day is to promote kindness in all forms, to unite people globally. View the activities for World Kindness Day. Don't forget to head over to Inspire Kindness to check out how you can spread kindness by creating a painted rock.

Week #4:

Try something new - Kids are good at convincing themselves that choosing not to try something new or challenging is okay. And in truth, it is. It’s okay to say no and it’s good for kids to have a chance to feel autonomy over their choices. But what if the people who are afraid to try something new are your parents. Follow a zombie kid, who must try and convince his parents to try something new. Scroll below to the YouTube video embed and Listen to Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies by, Megan and Jorge Lacera at Storyline Online brought to you by SAG-AFTRA Foundation. The book is available in English and Spanish. View the YouTube video.

This month is #OptimisticOctober and Action for Happiness reminds us to make goals achievable and ensure you have a few short term and long term goals. Give yourself the opportunity to shine by achieve something - even if it is something really small. Give yourself the credit and celebrate it! 

 

#OptimisticOctober Quote of the Month:

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

- Helen Keller

Week 1: Action for happiness calendar 

Use one prompt each day to help youth learn how to self- reflect.

Self-awareness - WHAT AM I MOST OPTIMISTIC ABOUT?

Self-management - MIGHT TAKING A MINDFUL BREATH HELP ME TO RELAX AND BE MORE HOPEFUL?

Social awareness - HOW MIGHT KNOWING THAT I’M A PART OF LARGER COMMUNITY HELP ME TO HOPEFUL?

Relationship skills - WHO ELSE CAN HELP ME TO THINK THIS THROUGH?

Responsible decision making - HOW MIGHT KNOWING THAT MY HAPPINESS AFFECTS OTHERS BE HELPFUL?

 

Week 2: 531

This activity allows youth to practice optimistic thinking. This activity will use used over three days.

If youth feel comfortable, have youth close their eyes, and place both feet flat on he floor and have them inhale deeply and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat this 3 times before beginning the activity.

Day 1 - Youth reflect and jot down 5 things that makes them FEEL happy.

Day 2 - Youth will reflect and jot down 3 things they are grateful for.

Day 3 - Youth will reflect and jot down 1 realistic optimistic goal.

 

Week 3: Famous Failures Activity - This can be an activity or interactive bulletin board

Whether you have a tendency to give up before you start or just give up … don’t. Some of most successful people are the best inspiration when it comes to overcoming fear of failure and overcoming discouragement because of failure.

Show students the photo. Discuss the failure. Why do we know them?

 

 

Week 4: Growth Mindset

Having a growth mindset, allows students to believe that intelligence and abilities can improve with effort and the right strategies. Having a growth mindset helps students to be self-aware of their emotions, as well as being able to self-manage themselves in a crisis.

With students complete the growth mindset activity by Understood. 

Then guide students into completing a growth mindset action plan. 

 

Visit the main pages for more information about #OptimisticOctober and Action for Happiness.

Self-Care September at Action for Happiness

Week of Sept. 6-10 Self-Care Plan

Help students to create their own self-care plan. Created by Social Work Teach, this simple self-care plan allows students to identify their needs for mental, physical and spiritual self and name those who can help them achieve their goals.

Week of Sept. 13-17 Self-Compassionate Letters 

(This activity is appropriate for high school students/adults) Help students to write self- compassionate letters to themselves. Stop beating yourself up for flaws and mistakes. Write a letter of compassion to yourself and focus on your positive attributes.

Week of Sept. 20-24 Monster Meditation 

Engage in meditation using I-Sense, connecting your five senses to meditation. Practice Meditation with Cookie Monster and use your five senses to connect to the present.

Week of Sept. 27-30 Emotion Cards 

Use the emotion cards to help students connect with their feelings. Randomly select an emotion card and ask students when would that emotion be appropriate and why? Another use of the cards can be used to have students act out the emotions on the cards, and have other students guess what the emotion is. (think Charades)