School is starting up soon. I have a collection of masks and face shields. I ordered in a small case of hand sanitizes or what we call at school "hanitizer” now if I could only get a good left foot (broke mine in a Red Lily Beetle battle . . . guess I lost). I got my "things" but am "I" ready? I worked at my schools libraries throughout the pandemic right up to the last day. Was it quiet? Sure was! It was also a bit lonely. No phone calls or stacks of books with sticking-notes on them. A clean circulation counter greeted me each and every day. But libraries in a covid-19 pandemic will look different. One of my favorite words is HOPE. I've had to rely on hope and prayer throughout the last number of years. Some call,it a mantra and I call it my 'mindful or intentional words'. Here they are "hope anchors the soul" and "What do you do when you live in a shoe?" Completely different phrases but give me connections. They race to my mind when "worries voices starts chirping" to silence him.What words/phrases calm you down, focus your soul, and give your brain a rest?
If you have questions and concerns, please talk to your school's administration. Join the conversation about stress and fears, of expectations and anxiety.
For my Riverside colleagues, I will remind you that Riverside Public School library has some great resources to assist you in starting some conversations with our students, families, coworkers and friends.
Here is a list of Riverside Library’s “Top Ten” resources to get you talking about some mental health issues.
1. Whimsy’s Heavy things by Julie Kraulis (E KRA)
Whimsy's heavy things are weighing her down. She tries to sweep them under the rug, but she trips over them. She tries to put them in tree, but they fall on her. She even tries to sail them out to sea, but they always come back. Eventually Whimsy decides to deal with the heavy things one at a time... and a surprising thing happens. With exquisite illustrations and delightfully simple text, Whimsy's Heavy Things is a sweet story about changing the things that weigh us down into the things that lift us up.
2. Unstoppable Me! by Dr. W. Dyer (ENF158.1 DYE)
The 10 important lessons in this book include the value of taking risks, dealing with stress and anxiety, and learning to enjoy each moment. Each point includes an example showing how a child might apply the concept in his or her everyday life. There are questions at the end of the book to help spark discussion. I love this book ❤️
3. Great Big Book Of Feelings,The by Mary Hoffman (152.4 HOF) The book opens with the question: "How are you feeling today?" And this leads on to a spread by spread presentation of a wide range of feelings. Brief text captions and questions and plenty of humor make sure the book is fun, as well as dealing with a serious and important subject - human feelings.
4. My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih by Monique Gray Smith (E GRA)
This dual-language book that celebrates happiness and invites children to reflect on the little things in life that bring them joy.
5. You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith (E GRA)
A picture book intended to foster reconciliation among children and encourage them to show each other love and support. Super book to use to challenge students in the ways they can show love and support both in school and at home.
6. Try a little kindness
The text is accompanied by two or three related vignettes of different animals giving examples of ways to be kind. In one illustration out of each set, one animal (like a cat peering into a fishbowl!) may not be doing the best job of being kind!
7. I am peace : a book of mindfulness by Susan Verde (E VER)
A child starts to get carried away with worry and rushing thoughts before taking a breath, steadying, observing thoughts, feeling kindness, feeling thankful, and experiencing the world. Great read-aloud.
8. Well Aware (Grades 5, 6, 7) : Reading, talking and thinking about mental well-being. Teacher's guide provided and good for Gr 6-8 Provides an awareness of mental health issues and fosters discussion on a wide variety of topics related to emotional well-being.
9. Issues 21 series for Grades 6 – 8 : Mental Health Stigma
Introduces mental health with some of the following topics : The changing face of mental illness, media portrayal of mental illness, why am I lonely when I have so many friends?, Depression and suicide, game changers & stress management and much more. Includes a teacher’s guide.
10. Stress Less : Tips and tools to help you chill by Helaine Becker (155.4 BEC)
More tips and tools for the anti-stress tool kit! Kids today experience high levels of stress. Tips cover physical, emotional, social and just-plain-fun techniques. From showing gratitude to embracing boredom to shaking stress away.
11. I know I said top ten, but, "Breathe like a bear" is an awesome book for a child of any age (including us adult too). Mindfulness exercises that one can to use to regulate oneself. Learn breathing exercises to help you regulate you breathing. My favourites? The candle breath and hot chocolate breathing exercises, although I did like the Snake one too.
Next time you see me hobbling around the library, hit me up for one or two of these terrific resources. You'll be glad you did. Take care and see you soon.
(Photo credit Dawn Vickers 2020)