NOTE: These exercises are best implemented by counselors and school staff that have been trained to support the social and emotional development of students. For more information on how CIS programs can support your school, please contact us.

Self-Care

1. Explain "self-care" in your own words.

2. Please select how much you agree or disagree with this statement:

"It is normal to experience emotional struggles from time to time."

• Agree
• Somewhat Agree
• Neutral
• Somewhat Disagree
• Disagree

3. How likely are you to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed?

• Not likely
• Probably
• Definitely

4. What are (2) self-care strategies that are useful to you? Why do you think you have good habits around those self-care strategies?

Self-Identity: Our "Best Self"

Theme question: Who am I in the world?

Psychologists and educators believe that some people are motivated by fear and others by encouragement and praise. It has also been said that teens need structure. The pandemic has shut down the concrete structure of our school where we had a fixed schedule for each day, and for classes and activities.

Since then, we created this virtual learning and work environment which has been a challenge for us all, yet not without its benefits and rewards. Some students have done better, some have become lost and disconnected.

1. Do you need more structure and what would help you do better and feel more connected to school and your work?

2. What motivates you to be and do your best?

3. Do you get enough praise and encouragement?

Emotional Identity: Finding Your Voice

Essential question: How can I make good decisions when speaking up for myself online and offline?

Speaking up for ourselves and sharing our opinions can be difficult or easy depending on who we are speaking to and where we are, in class or at home.

1. Do you feel more comfortable speaking up for yourself and/or sharing your opinion online or in-person offline? Why?

Healthy Relationships: Respect

Theme question: Who am I within a larger school community?

Former President Obama praised the late Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) as a "kind" and "honorable" man who treated others well despite his position of power culminating as chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Obama said:

"There's nothing weak about kindness and compassion. There's nothing weak about looking out for others. There's nothing weak about being honorable. You're not a sucker to have integrity and to treat others with respect."

1. Please reflect on Obama’s words and share your own thoughts about the power of respect. How can respect take form in your life?

Citizenship and Social Justice

Essential question: Who Am I in the World?

1. Considering everything that has been happening in the last year so far, what can we all do to make a better society for everyone from now through the end of the school year?