Imagine 60 children running into a gymnasium after school, ready to cut loose after a day of learning.
After-school teachers in the School Age program handle it with aplomb, guiding the children to their weekly jobs, activity stations and snacks. Mondays seem to be particularly rough for many students, teachers found.
“Mondays are hard for everybody, even if you like going to school,” according to Teacher Cat Simmons. “Especially on long weekends.”
School Age teachers at Chief Joe Elementary created Mellow Mondays, which features calming, meditative activities each week: yoga, painting or journaling with jazz. On Mondays, the children walk into a different environment that sets the stage for the afternoon ahead. The curtains are closed, the lights are low, and staff sets out tons of small LED tea lights.
“The kids notice the difference right when they walk in. They’ll say ooooh, it’s Monday,” Teacher Cat said.
Chief Joe has an unusually large group of kindergartners in the after school class—one third of the program—which brings some challenges for staff guiding that young age group. Teachers have seen a difference in this class whose early childhood was defined by the pandemic. The children didn’t get as much socialization in early life due to shutdowns.
School Age teachers recognize the youngest children in their charge need more guidance, including identifying their feelings.
The first thing all the children do when they come to School Age is check in at the Zones of Regulation, which is a sort of mood chart. It’s an opportunity to let everyone else know how they’re feeling: sad, happy, worried, silly, etc.
“The kids will check the board and notice if another person is having a rough day. They’ll check in with that person. They’ll just run up, give that person a hug and bundle off again” Teacher Cat said.
Mellow Mondays is another way to identify and regulate their emotions.
Teacher Brittany Walls leads the yoga class. Adjusting her yogi style for a younger audience, she renames the poses Rabbit or Dragon. “The little ones do their best. The older ones can be a little goofy, but they want to participate – they love it.”
Practicing yoga, even if there’s some silliness involved, helps the children focus on breathing and mindfulness.
“If a child is having a rough spot, we tell them to breathe. Practicing yoga gives them greater understanding of what breathing means and helps them regulate themselves more,” Teacher Brittany said.
On painting Mellow Monday, Teacher Cat creates watercolor painting projects that appeal to children from 5-12 years old, which is a wide range of talent and motor skills. She also gives them the opportunity to follow a theme or be creative. “I remember being really little and just loving to paint. It was the best thing ever,” Teacher Cat said.
Mellow Mondays is also helpful to program staff. “I think it’s important for us all to enjoy the softness of each day,” Program Coordinator Mars Sails said. “When I’m having a rough day myself, I might do a little yoga too.”
““I think it’s important for us all to enjoy the softness of each day.”
mars sails, school age program coordinator
