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.”

"It always seems impossible until its done". ~Nelson Mandela

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.

Mommy Poppins is a great website for resources and activities for all ages.

Check out this easy Playdoh Recipe you could make at home.

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 Tbsp. cream of tartar

1 cup water

1/2 Tbsp. oil

food coloring

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until dough comes away from the sides of the pan. Remove dough from pan and knead on counter or cutting board covered lightly with flour. Store in an airtight container or ziploc bag.

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 Hallway Bowling. Fill up water bottles and use any ball you have to knock them down.

GoNoodle has fun activities you can do inside your own home.

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.

If you want to unplug and practice mindfulness that's a great idea too!

Safari Walk: On your next family walk outside, or while your kids are playing in the yard, tell them you are going on a Safari. Help them notice as many birds, bugs, creepy-crawlies, and any other animals they can. Tell them they will need to focus all their senses to find anything that walks, crawls, swims or flies.

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

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

1. If you were told you were leaving on a surprise trip right now and could only bring 3 things. What would you bring?

2. If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and what would you like to do?

3. What are three things you are grateful for and why?

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:)