Finding Calm: My Upset to Happy Journey

When to use this story

'Finding Calm: My Upset to Happy Journey' is a wonderful resource for early elementary students, particularly those aged 6 to 8 years. This story can be used during moments when a child is feeling overwhelmed or upset, providing them with a gentle and relatable guide to navigating their feelings. It can also be introduced during classroom discussions about emotions, or at home when parents notice their child struggling with emotional regulation. Utilizing this story during transitions, playtime, or even in response to conflicts with friends can reinforce the idea of finding calm and encourage children to express their feelings in a supportive way.

What's inside

This engaging social story begins with relatable expressions of feeling upset, such as frowning and tension in the shoulders. Children will read about the steps involved in finding calm, starting with deep breathing techniques. The story provides vibrant illustrations that depict the journey from upset to happy, making it easy for children to visualize their emotions. Along with the narrative, 'Finding Calm' includes various activities such as vocabulary building, spelling exercises, and comprehension questions, which reinforce the concepts presented in the story. Open-ended questions and role-play scenarios encourage children to explore their emotions and practice coping strategies with peers or family members.

What kids learn

Through 'Finding Calm: My Upset to Happy Journey', children learn valuable emotional regulation skills. They will understand that feeling upset is a normal part of life, and they will be equipped with practical techniques, like deep breathing, to help them find calm. The story emphasizes self-awareness and provides children with the language needed to express their feelings. As they engage with the content, they also enhance their social skills by learning how to communicate their emotions effectively with friends and family.

Research context

The tradition of using social stories to support emotional understanding and social skills is well-established. Drawing from the pioneering work of Carol Gray, this approach helps children learn through narrative and relatable scenarios. Research in narrative-based social-emotional learning highlights the importance of storytelling in promoting empathy and understanding among peers. By utilizing social stories like 'Finding Calm', educators, parents, and therapists can create a foundation for children to explore their feelings in a safe and engaging manner.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together and encourage your child to share their feelings as you explore the narrative.
• Practice the deep breathing exercises mentioned in the story during calm moments to reinforce the technique.
• Use role-play activities to act out different scenarios involving emotions, helping children apply what they’ve learned.
• Create a feelings chart at home or in the classroom to help children identify and express their emotions regularly.
• Reinforce the message of the story by celebrating moments when your child successfully finds calm during challenging situations.