That Bothers Me Worksheet

To enhance the effectiveness of this That Bothers Me Worksheet, I've been pairing it with some coping strategies that I believe will resonate with our students:

Pause and Breathe: When emotions run high, advising students to halt and take a few deep breaths can make a world of difference. It acts as a buffer, preventing immediate reactions and aiding in clearer thinking.

Challenge Your Thoughts: Let's empower our kids to scrutinize those initial feelings of annoyance. Prompting questions like, "Is this a genuine reflection of the situation?" can lead to more objective and calmer assessments.

Practice Empathy: Truly an essential life skill. Steering them towards seeing things from another's viewpoint can often diffuse personal grievances and provide greater understanding.

Reframe the Situation: Highlighting the art of positive thinking can guide them to find beneficial outcomes in challenging situations. Rather than getting caught up in the problem, they can focus on potential growth or lessons learned.

Practice Gratitude: Have you tried gratitude journals in class? Or perhaps a simple discussion on the day's positive moments? It's an excellent method to shift their attention to the brighter side of things.

Letting Go: One of the hardest but most vital lessons is understanding that not everything is within our control. Teaching adaptability and acceptance can be truly transformative.

Engage in Self-care: Emphasizing the importance of self-care can't be overlooked. Encourage activities that allow them to unwind and rejuvenate, be it reading, doodling, or just some quiet moments.

Seek Support: We should constantly remind them that it's perfectly okay to share their feelings. Be it friends, family, or school counselors, seeking external perspectives can often shed light on troubling situations.

Lastly, I must mention the wonderful clipart from Kari Bolt Clip Art that I've used – truly a game-changer for engaging visuals!

Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art