"Hi there,
When I speak to teachers around the country, I often get asked for techniques which teachers can use to help the children manage their emotions in their class. A really quick and simple technique is the grumpy jar! This is a great way for children to visually understand their feelings, and an effective method they can use (at any age) to manage their emotions in a positive way.
Do this together as a class, or you can incorporate it into a lesson and ask each child to create their own personal ‘Grumpy Jar’. Here’s how:
- Fill a transparent container with water and glitter and pop the lid back on.
- Shake the jar and ask the children to watch the glitter swirling around.
- The swirling glitter represents the brain when it’s full of worry or stress - chaotic and out of control!
When children feel like this, it’s important to give them a tool to calm them down, like shape breathing. Use the star breathing technique until the glitter has settled in the water.
Now explain to your children that the glitter represents their feelings of anxiety which can be managed using their breathing if they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
Imogen :-) "
