Each week, members of the Student Support Team at Lowell are here to provide you with resources that can help bring steadiness to your lives during these uncertain times. Each edition of The Calming Corner will have information for the whole family that can provide balance, social-emotional support, and entertainment into your home.

Your house has now turned into a classroom, an office, a gym, but most importantly, still remains your home. Each day may look different and routines are shifting but that is okay. We hope that the resources provided in this newsletter will give you an alternative to academic content and support learning beyond the “classroom.”

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~A.A. Milne

We know this is a strange time for everyone. We're all learning together how to work, learn, and spend much more time at home and indoors than before. Hopefully, everyone is settling into a new normal routine, whatever that might look like for your family.

Ten Percent Happier has many great resources including the appropriately named Corona Virus Sanity Guide!

Here is an article for parents on how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus.

If you need language geared for children on how to explain Coronavirus, here's a handy guide and this cartoon!

Even though we're all practicing social distancing, it's important to keep active and do something inside or outside each day especially as the weather gets warmer! Whether it's taking a walk in your neighborhood, doing yoga, or just having a dance party!

Try the Yoga app DownDog. It's free until May 1st:)

At school, we use GoNoodle regularly but if you're interested in trying something new check out Fitness Blender. They offer quick 25 minute in-home workouts for kids!

And don't forget to check out the PE teachers' weekly Smore for fun activities.

Practicing mindfulness can be very soothing. Some apps include Mindful Powers (available for Apple and Android devices) and SOS Method (available for Apple and Android devices). Headspace is another great app.

Coloring can also be very soothing for kids and grownups! Here is a website where you can download free mandalas to color.

If you want to unplug and practice mindfulness that's a great idea too! Find a comfortable spot, settle in, and try to focus on something that brings you joy. This week, try this one: slowly breathe in your favorite color (and all the good you think of when thinking of your favorite color) and breathe out the gray (worry, fear, yucky feelings). You can do this with your child.

And for fun ways for kids to practice mindful breathing, we love the book "Alphabreaths" by Christopher Willard. This week, continue with Butterfly Breaths.

Here are some more conversation starters for your next family mealtime:

1. What is your favorite place in your house?

2. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

3. What is your favorite sandwich?

Make your own Calm Down Corner in your home! At school, our classrooms have Calming Corners where we can all take a break. This handy guide gives strategies to create your own!

Kelley Cochrane - School Psychologist

Brian Connors - Behavior Specialist

Melina Jacovides - Guidance Counselor

Crystal Johnson - Social Worker

Greg Roberts - Team Chair

If you have any questions and you're not sure who to ask; reach out to your guidance counselor: melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us

or school psychologist: kelley.cochrane@watertown.k12.ma.us. We're here to help:)