Practicing positive discipline can be difficult, especially when a child is misbehaving and you need to correct the behavior immediately. The good news is that we have a tool to help in this type of situation - The ABCs.
If you find yourself hitting a dead end with time outs, it may be time to try something new. Read more about this time out alternative.
Positive discipline, like most things, takes practice and patience. When a child misbehaves, it’s natural to feel upset. In this post we look at three ways you can self-regulate when a child misbehaves.
Any parent of two or more children is more than familiar with sibling competition. It can be exhausting for parents, but it can provide valuable lessons for children.
Positive and discipline are not two words that you normally see used together. Typically, discipline holds a heavy, negative connotation. However, we can follow three steps to help make discipline both effective and (relatively) painless.
Human beings have a lot of feelings. Knowing what to do with those feelings is what helps us become emotionally intelligent, self-compassionate, resilient human beings. And like many things, this starts young. So today we want to share three things we can teach children about their feelings.
There is a moment, or perhaps many moments, when a parent looks at their child and thinks about what they want for their child’s future. And, most parents, whether consciously or not, have a list of goals for their child in each of these areas. So, today, let’s take time to write out that list.
You just brought home a new little bundle of joy but suddenly your older child is exhibiting all kinds of out-of-character behavior. Here are a few tips to consider when introducing a new child into the family.
Everything is new for children, and every new encounter is full of new sensations. In this post, we are going to take a look at the important role our senses and sensory input play in childhood development.
It can be extremely challenging for parents when their precious angel children no longer seem to need them or even want to be around them. What is a parent to do when their child wants nothing to do with them?
We know that attachment is the single greatest predictor of how well a child will do in life. In this post, we take a look at what that means for parents.
Just as LGBTQIA+ youth are on a journey, so are parents. A parent’s process can show up in different ways depending on the family. In this post, we talk about some of the common phrases we hear from parents plus some tips we encourage parents to consider.
In working with LGBTQIA+ youth, it’s important to create an environment of safety and belonging. Here are a few ways to help make an environment inclusive.
In the teen years, conflict is normal and to be expected. What parents should consider is to pick conflicts that will be productive. What does that mean?
It can be challenging for kids to adjust back to social gatherings after a year-long break. These tips can help parents with slow-to-warm children re-enter the world.
It often feels indulgent to treat myself with the compassion that I show others. I feel as though being hard on myself is the best way to better myself. In fact, research shows the opposite is true.
Mourning is the task of processing the grief but how does someone mourn? How do we process grief?
Many of us described our emotions in the last year as sadness, disappointment, fear, anger, pain, anxiety or numbness. But underneath all of these feelings is something we don’t often name. Grief.
Grief is what we feel when we lose something. Mourning is the work we do to come out on the other side of the pain. Mourning is a task. It requires work. And it does not happen on its own.
Emotions are complicated, and being able to examine and name our feelings is an important step in being emotionally intelligent and taking care of our own mental health.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and to help guide impactful and meaningful change, we offer a list of “do’s and don’ts” for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in your workplaces, schools and communities.
If you want to know what type of self-care is going to be most effective and have the longest lasting results, let’s dive into the science.
Trauma self-care is the act of caring for yourself while also caring for others. But we can only do it with a plan. Follow this downloadable guide to help you take care of your mental health.
Today we want to explore a very important topic for anyone who works with children: secondary trauma. Read through to learn more about secondary trauma and how it shows up.
Taking time to focus on your mental health can be a daunting task so we've got you covered with this free mental health workbook.
We all have an inner critic that pipes up at the most inconvenient times. Let's talk about why you should treat that inner critic as a frenemy.
Take time to try out one or more of these strategies to build and strengthen your mental health and wellness. After all, the journey of strong mental health is made up of a million steps.
This free lesson plan, When I Feel..., introduces students to the concept of mental health and helps them explore ways to manage their mental health. It can be adapted for any elementary or middle school classroom.
Compassion fatigue is the cost of caring “too much”. It can occur as a result of helping, or wanting to help, those who are in need. But by identifying the signs early, teachers can be quick to respond in a resourceful way.
Celebrating the wins, not matter how big or small, is a great way to help manage your mental health. This post provides an activity to help you count the wins.
Burnout can drain you of your passion and enthusiasm for your job, or even for life in general. Burnout is kind of like a fire that is slowly extinguishing. Learn how to mitigate the risks of burnout and keep those flames ignited.
Sometimes you just need to be reminded that you are doing enough. So, consider this your reminder that, not matter what, you are doing enough.
Often when we feel like our mental health is not in the best place, we start looking for big things that could be causing us stress. When we aren't able to find a big issue that is causing the stress, it may be time to examine all of the small things because they could be adding up.
In this conversation, we discuss racial trauma - what it is, how it manifests, and how we can move to a place of healing.
To assist with conversations about anti-Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) violence and hatred, we are sharing previous resources from other times we have addressed race and racism over the years. Click the links for more on each of these topics.
Parents, teachers and those who work with children are eager for support in how to have tough conversations with children about race and racism that can help them understand the world and become advocates for a brighter future for new generations. We hope these tips help.
In this Q&A, we discuss picking a therapist and determining if they're a fit.
In this Q&A, we discuss how to begin the process of choosing the therapist who can best support you in your mental health journey.
What is the average amount of time between an early life traumatic event and the manifestation of symptoms? The answer might surprise you.
This free lesson plan, Changemaker Chronicle, introduces students to what it means to be a changemaker and can be adapted to fit any elementary or middle school classroom. Age it up or down with your choice of books and vocabulary!
We face stressors every day and sometimes when we face multiple stressors, we can become overwhelmed. A helpful tool for managing stress is to ask, "Is this something I can control?"
In order to help children reach their full potential, they must have adults who take care of their own mental health needs.
This free lesson plan, Heroes of History, helps teach resilience to students and can be adapted to fit any elementary or middle school classroom. Age it up or down with your choice of books and vocabulary!
¿Busca datos cerebrales divertidos y fáciles para niños pequeños? Disfrute de esta lectura en voz alta de "Tu Cerebro".
Let’s take a look at the neurobiology of stress. What happens to your brain under stress?
Because social emotional health is the intersection of social emotional learning and mental health, we talk a lot about mental health. But, what is mental health and how does it fit into overall health?
While the term social emotional learning, or SEL, has gained momentum, here at Momentous Institute, we continue to focus on the term social emotional health.
Here are a few of our favorite books about social justice issues, movements, and heroes.
Read what our therapists have observed from families during the pandemic and see how parents and children have shown resilience.
After six years of work to meet educators’ demand for social emotional learning best practices, our staff finalized the Changemakers Curriculum this summer. Check out the details here!
Learn about ways we have stayed dedicated to educators despite the changes of 2020 and head to the e-store to see all the products.
The support of seven sponsors allowed our staff to create a menu of interactive webinars and reach over 2,500 educational professionals in the community! See the story here.
Hear from Kate Whidden, our Interim Executive Director, as she steps into her new role after 20 years with Momentous Institute.
There’s no question that the way we typically celebrate at this time of year will look very different. To make the most of the coming months, clinician Dena Kohleriter offers three tips that can help support children’s mental health as we navigate this time.
Check out a few ways to practice gratitude with children even when hard things happen.
This post from Momentous School 4th grade teacher Katherine Probolous is the first part of a series on building student portfolios.
Looking for fun, easy brain facts for young kids? Enjoy this read aloud of "Your Brain", available in print at momentousinstitute.org/shop.
Teachers across the country are navigating virtual back-to-school routines, so we caught up with two teachers at N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Learning Center in Dallas ISD to learn about what they’re doing to welcome students to the 2020-21 school year.
As children head back to school this fall, many are asking questions that teachers may feel unprepared to answer. While we can’t provide a script for how to respond to each question a student may ask, here's some guidance on appropriate ways to handle these tough conversations.
While we can’t create consistency in this unpredictable world, we can create it where we have control – in the classroom (or virtual classroom).
Regardless of the circumstances, the decision between virtual learning and in-person learning can be surrounded with anxiety and uncertainty.
Momentous School 4th grade teachers share this back-to-school strategy designed to help teachers create a virtual classroom for distance learning.
Many states and schools require or encourage people to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are seven quick tips to help students adapt.
There’s never been a better opportunity for schools to capitalize on the partnership with parents as there is now.
Students coming back into the classroom this fall, or students logging on to virtual platforms, will need an even more intentional refresher course on how school works. And frankly, teachers probably will, too!
When students start back at school this fall, creating a sense of belonging must be top priority.
Here are some behaviors we may see in children as we head back into classrooms this fall.
Here are a few tips to get started learning student’s names if the school year starts with remote learning.
From daily distance learning zoom sessions to birthday visits to a special drive-thru send-off, our teachers went above and beyond to make sure our students and their families were able to finish the year on a positive note.
Momentous Institute has decided to capitalize all references to race including Black and White. Read more...
Momentous School librarian Jennifer Grauberger shares her experiences in diversifying the school library to more accurately reflect the student population.
White parents must talk to their children about race in order to create a world where these conversations are no longer necessary. Here are a few suggestions on how to explain what is happening in today's headlines.
There is no pathway towards a mentally healthy community without addressing systemic racism and the resulting racial trauma. This is not someone else’s fight. This is our collective fight. And we are committed for the long-haul.
To help teachers and administrators handle the stresses of teaching from home, consider adding a social emotional component to your online faculty meetings. Here are a few tips!
In this new age of teaching remotely, relationships between parents/caretakers and teachers have never been more intertwined. To capitalize on this new relationship, teachers can lean in to parents and ask how they'd like to be supported.
Having one-on-one connection with students can be tough during distance learning, but we have a few tips for setting up individual touchpoints.
Every teacher has classroom expectations. As classrooms have shifted to online platforms, it is important to set expectations for distance learning.
Many people meal prep their meals for the week, why try 'meal prepping' lessons for the week!
Creating a schedule for yourself is more important than ever when teaching from home. We have a few tips to help you get started creating your schedule.
Students of all ages love recess, to give them some time to experience recess from home, try a virtual recess.
Even for classrooms as young as elementary school, virtual office hours can provide a great way for students and teachers to connect.
Let's look at an easy mindfulness strategy that students can do from home: mindful listening.
Kids are currently spending more time on screens than they normally would in a classroom. Today's strategy looks at ways to get them up and moving.
Starfish breathing is a quick breathing strategy that can easily be done via video chat.
Morning meetings help start the day and build a sense of community. Just because students and teachers aren't in the same room doesn't mean morning meeting can't happen!
As teachers adapt to a new method of teaching, prioritizing social emotion learning in the absence of a classroom environment can be a challenge. We're here to provide some strategies that teachers can implement from their homes.
Community resilience is always a characteristic of human communities, but what about you? When you turn your lens inward, how resilient are you?
Dr. Aileen Fullchange explains why practicing yoga during a pandemic is a powerful tool for regulating emotions and managing stress..
With all of the demands of schooling at home, it can be easy to lose sight of one very important thing: play. But we are here to remind you that play is very important.
In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to see what everyone else is doing. As a result, we often fall into the comparison trap. We're here to help you get out of that trap.
Now that we've had some experience working at home with children, it's time to pause and reflect on what's working and what should be changed. Who should you ask to help you reevaluate? The kids!
These days, as we practice social distancing and stay home to the extent possible, support from our network looks different. While calling on support networks is more challenging during this time, it’s also more important than ever.
It’s the start of a new week, and many parents have now been schooling at home for a week or more. Let’s take a moment today to pause the juggling and think about the positives.
Schooling at home during a global crisis has mostly likely caused at least one moment of stress or anxiety. This is perfectly natural but it’s also important that we manage our feelings during this challenging time.
Kids thrive on routine. They need to know what to expect and what is expected of them. Routines help kids have a sense of control and predictability in their lives.
Builders often use scaffolding to allow workers to reach heights until the structure of the building is secure enough. Similarly, we can use scaffolding to help children increase their knowledge over time.
Each day, we’re sharing tips to help families manage this new reality of school at home. Today’s tip is to check your expectations.
COVID-19 has rearranged the way we live, and schooling at home is a new demand that thousands of families face. Each day, we'll share something you can do each day to manage anxiety and thrive in this new experience. Today's Tip: Acknowledge Your Feelings.
COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we live, work and experience the world around us as we practice social distancing. Here are three ways I am prioritizing self-care as a full-time parent who is also working full-time from home.
The COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming and has left many feeling anxious. As someone diagnosed with anxiety, this pandemic can quickly feel like too much to handle. When I feel anxious, I have learned four techniques to help bring relief.
The reality of COVID-19 is an unparalleled time in our country’s history to pause, spend quality time with our families and find creative ways to engage our children. Here are some top activities to have fun as a family:
Momentous School Principal Daniel Knoll shares what's currently most on his mind during this global pandemic.
Here are some learning strategies to walk through together at home so you don’t just survive with your children, but thrive.
Social distancing allows children to learn a valuable lesson, maybe one of the most important lessons of their childhood. Read more.
In the United States, schools are closing at a rapid pace and parents are in uncharted waters to figure out how to homeschool their children. We’ve got three strategies that will help!
There’s no question that the Coronavirus COVID-19 is taking over our thoughts and conversations. This has left many parents wondering what they should say – and not say – to their children. Here are a few things to keep in mind in deciding what to share.
Tired children have a harder time focusing at school, regulating their emotions and interacting with their peers. We have three tips to help your children get healthy sleep.
Meet Ms. Garcia as she walks us through Momentous Institute’s Strategic Intervention Model that equipped her with tools to help her student, Sarah.
Often, when we hear the word “therapy,” we think of a client lying on a couch answering questions about their mom. At Momentous Institute, therapy looks different. Find out how!
Language is powerful. It can build up or tear down, lift up or discourage. What if we all sought to find ways to change the labels surrounding others?
Learn about our partnerships with Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning that will benefit the families of Momentous Institute!
Recap 2019's Changing the Odds: Hidden Factors, which brought together internationally-renowned speakers to discuss key influences that affect children today.
What does a child need to know about the brain? We break it down and share the three basics that we believe children should learn.
While homework aids students with repetition exercises and memory, it can often limit evening family time. These three strategies will help children succeed in school without homework.
As Momentous Institute continues to prioritize social emotional health across every program, find out how its internal focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is aligning on a deeper level with its mission.
How did Momentous Institute use the game of golf to increase partnerships with Southern Dallas organizations? Check out all Momentous Institute has learned from collaborating with organizations like Bonton Farms beyond tournament week.
What is social emotional health and why does it matter? Learn more about why social emotional health is the heartbeat of Momentous Institute!
Parents understand it is important for children to celebrate the differences of others. Here are a few strategies that can help children value their unique friendships.
Momentous Institute is passionate about being a leading voice for equipping educators with trauma-informed practices and had the opportunity in May to take part in advocating for Texas House Bill 18, which just passed in the Senate! Learn more about House Bill 18, how Momentous Institute is working with legislators and how social emotional health is being showcased throughout political platforms.
Learn more about our partnerships with The Meadows Foundation and the N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center.
When you ask a teenager, "Why did you DO that?" and you get the blank stare -- remember, their brain is still under construction.
We've adapted Dr. Gottman's Four Horsemen metaphor for working with teenagers. Take a look!
The amazing Dr. Christine Carter shares this guest post on why "slacking off" isn't such a bad idea.
What part of the brain is the child using? How can we help guide her through this situation? Dive into a little brain lesson with us!
Anxious? Overwhelmed? Depressed by the news headlines? Here are three practices to help us deal with uncertainty.
Of course we are teaching our kids about how to be good friends. But are we teaching them to be good friends to themselves?
Dear White Teachers, Are you like me, a white teacher in a classroom with mostly students of color? Do you feel secretly uncomfortable at the idea of talking about race in the classroom? Keep reading...
How are adult relationships impacted by our childhood attachment style? Read on to learn more.
Given its importance, how can we create environments where all children gain a sense of belonging? Here are three strategies that can help:
Every child deserves the opportunity to be successful based on his or her unique gifts and talents, but not every child has equitable opportunities.
Each classroom in our school has a space that is solely dedicated to helping children manage their own behavior. Learn more!
"One of the most successful research-based strategies I used in my classroom was free and only took 30 seconds." Curious? Keep reading.
Students at Momentous School engage in mindful breathing at least three times a day. How? Why? Watch this brief video to learn more.
Here’s one resolution you can make that will affect your emotional and physical health. It's easy, free, and makes you feel better instantly.
Thanks to Norman Rockwell and other idealistic portrayals of the holiday season, expectations for blissed-out perfection run high at this time of year. Reality, however, rarely measures up. Schedules are off, sugar intake is high, and Aunt Thelma is in town… Yikes!
Here are three strategies to help navigate holiday stressors.
We reached out to everyone on the Momentous staff and asked what everyone does in their own families to show gratitude on Thanksgiving. Here are some of the responses.
There’s nothing wrong with a good Black Friday deal, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this year, we’ve got an Anti- "Black Friday" suggestion for you.
We recently read Eric Jensen's book, "Teaching with Poverty in Mind". Find out more about why we love the concept of the emotional keyboard.
Nutrition is a vital part of a child's development. For children living in poverty, there are obstacles that prevent access to healthy food, which in turn affects their performance in school.
In this post, we discuss the inherent bias in standardized tests and how students' life experiences and socioeconomic situations affect their ability to perform on standardized tests.
How much does it cost to educate a child in poverty? We break down school funding and look at the effect of poverty on education cost.
Poverty is a complex issue with many layers. In this post we outline three main things that we believe every adult should understand about how poverty affects children.
Statistics show that poverty has negative outcomes on children. We explore why this is by looking at how poverty impacts brain development.
How we talk about poverty matters. In this post, we take a look at how we define and talk about poverty.
This next series on our Momentous Institute blog will focus on poverty. Specifically, what impact does growing up in poverty have on children?
Each year five million children witness domestic violence in the US. Our Associate Director of Development, Tania Loenneker, discusses how domestic violence affects children.
In preparation for our upcoming Changing the Odds conference, a group of us read Queen Bees and Wannabes by guest speaker Rosalind Wiseman. Here are some of our thoughts and a bit about why we love this book.
Both boys and girls bully and are bullied. In this post, we take a look at some key differences in how boys and girls bully.
Jacob's New Dress is a children's book that explore what happens when a young boy wants to wear a dress to school. Read our review to find out what we love about this book.
The family unit is an important part of the gender discussion. This week we're sharing an article from Willow McCormick about the importance of recognizing that not all students come from a traditional nuclear family.
Discussing gender equity with children is an important part of Social Emotional Health. My Princess Boy is a children's book that discusses the challenges a gender non-conforming child faces. Read our review to learn more.
Use a kindness calendar to encourage kids to keep kindness a regular part of their lives.
When we have conversations about a gender fluid child, we have to remember that the child is a member of a family. In this post we are looking at how a gender fluid child's experience can impact their siblings.
Our content specialist, Michelle, recently watched a documentary called “Gender Revolution”. Read her thoughts about how the documentary shines a light on how gender (and conversations about gender) affects everyone from young children to adults.
Taylor Freeman shares a powerful story about a time when she asked students to line up by gender... and what she learned from it.
Continuing our discussion about gender fluid children, we answer some common questions parents face when they have a very young child questioning their gender identity.
Parents of children who are transgender, gender fluid or gender questioning are on their own journey of acceptance. In this post we discuss that journey and the impact it can have.
When we talk about sex, sexuality, and gender, there are a lot of terms to keep track of. Even those of us who work in this space are constantly learning new titles and terms. It can feel overwhelming to make sure we’re using the right language. Read more...
Our office manager, Ashley, recently watched a documentary called “The Mask You Live In.” Read her thoughts about how the documentary affected her as a parent to a six-year-old boy.
We are continuing our discussion about differences between boys and girls and how they learn. In this post we take a look at gender differences in the most important biological component: the brain.
For today’s blog post, I spoke with Jennifer Bartkowski, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. Keep reading to learn more about how the Girls Scouts are working to empower young women.
As we continue with our blog series on gender, we take a moment to assess how both boys and girls are currently doing in school. We've talked about the STEM gender gap, but what other gaps need attention?
Spaces and places, and how we move within them, are deeply rooted in gender. In this post, guest author April Larremore asks if these spaces are serving boys and girls equally. Read more...
Continuing to learn about how gender plays a role in education, I recently visited Young Men's Leadership Academy, and all-boys Middle School located in Southern Dallas. Read more about my visit.
I recently toured Solar Preparatory School for Girls, an elementary school in the Dallas Independent School District. Read my thoughts about this amazing all-girls campus!
Research shows that females tend to have higher levels of empathy than males. Our research team was interested in whether the same was true for elementary school students and whether there was anything we could do to change this trajectory by intervening at a young age. Read more...
It is widely accepted that careers in STEM fields are dominated by men, and that women and girls do not pursue these fields at the same level as their male peers. Through my research and practices, I want to share seven ways to help girls gain interest in STEM. Read more...
Today's conversation is with Mr. Jim Taylor, director of admissions at Cistercian Preparatory School, a small, private, all-boys school in Irving, Texas. Read more about what makes a boy's school unique...
We often talk about the stress response "fight, flight or freeze". But there's a twist: it might not apply for women. Read more...
Gender microaggressions are small, seemingly innocuous comments that can pile up over time and affect a person’s sense of self and identity. These microaggressions can become so commonplace that we don’t even notice them. Here are a few examples of common gender-related microaggressions... Read more.
It’s common to walk into an elementary school classroom and hear a teacher say, “Good morning, boys and girls!” Is there any harm in this approach? Let's take a look at the research.
Ever heard the phrase "an attitude of gratitude"? Here's why it's important.
In this next series on our blog, we will be exploring the topic of gender. We want to know what makes boys and girls different. How do they learn? How are they treated by adults? Join us as we explore a new series.
"When I work with young Latinos from at-risk backgrounds, one of the themes that eventually arises are long-term goals. They are often asked to dream big – to consider options outside of their current environment or circumstances. This can be very challenging." Keep reading...
This post comes from former Momentous School teacher, Jorgelina Marin, on helping students' develop a strong sense of self.
As adults, one of our first instincts is to protect and comfort children who are afraid. But that instinct can be challenging when a child’s fear is real, and there’s nothing we can do to protect them from it. One big area where we see this fear is around the topic of immigration. Keep reading...
"With great external work in society comes great work within ourselves, too. As we are confronted with emotions that seem too large to hold, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to let rage drive us." Read more...
Have you heard the term “reverse racism”? Let’s break it down.
In African American communities, you might hear phrases like, “Therapy is for White people” or “We don’t do therapy.” Read more about how to overcome barriers to mental health access for African American communities...
"Many educators, including myself, have failed to make the children we work with feel seen—because for many years, we have not acknowledged race as a fundamental element of identity. We need to make space for race. But how?" Read more...
Parents have the opportunity to help teens explore these racial differences. It may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading...
Are you navigating your first holiday season since the loss of a loved one?
This time of year can be downright stressful. Here's how to manage.
Minerva Holmes asked her mixed-race family members to weigh in on what it's like growing up bi-racial. Here's what they had to say...
Read our four considerations for creating meaningful diversity opportunities for children.
We make many assumptions about the race and ethnicity of others. Let's talk about some commonly misused and misunderstood identifiers. Keep reading...
There’s nothing quite as upsetting or challenging as a child making a racist comment. How do we respond? Read more.
When adults go on an airplane, we understand why we’re lining up, or taking our shoes off. But a 2-year-old might find the whole thing a little crazy.
Misconceptions and misinformation can quickly become the norm if educators do not address differences within a classroom. Here are some tips for how teachers can be proactive in the process of talking about race and ethnicity in the classroom.
Race is a topic that many parents shy away from. However, parents must realize that when nothing is said about race, a lot is actually being communicated. Read more...
"We were on a seventh grade class field trip. I don’t remember where. I do however, remember being in the elevator. He stood behind me and touched my body, without my consent." Read on...
This is around the time of year when teachers start feeling overwhelmed. Here are Sandy Nobles’ top three self-care suggestions.
If you’ve been in any conversations about race, you’ve likely heard the term “microaggressions”. You may be wondering two things – what are they, and what is the big deal? Keep reading...
We all have stereotypes. But the reality is, they can be very harmful. Read on.
We’ve talked about how the “colorblindness” approach is not the most helpful way to interact with people of different races and cultures. Now you may be wondering… but what is the best approach?
A published letter from Naomi Tutu, daughter of South African president Desmond Tutu, further explains why her friend's comment, “I don’t think of you as Black” was offensive to her. Read the excerpt and reflect.
One pervasive approach to working in communities of color is the so-called “colorblind” approach. We’ve all heard the line, “I don’t see color.”
But there’s a fatal flaw in this approach.
The term “white privilege” has entered the common vocabulary when discussing issues related to race. We hear it all the time, but today we want to take a minute to really explore the topic. What is “white privilege” and what can we do about it?
In the coming weeks, we will share strategies about how to have these difficult conversations with kids. But before any conversations take place, let’s do some reflecting about race and the children in our lives.
We've all done it: focused all of our energy on that one negative comment rather than the 100 positive comments. Dr. Rick Hanson explains why.
Before we go any further on discussions about race, we have to talk about the starting line.
Like with all things, silence speaks loudly. When we don’t talk about subjects that matter, we’re explicitly making a choice to be silent.
So, let’s talk about race.
For some back-to-school motivation, watch this story of how relationships make all the difference.
Make yourself comfortable and enjoy this full tour of our elementary lab school, where we focus on social emotional health in concert with rigorous academics.
It’s back to school season, which means teachers everywhere are setting up classrooms and getting ready for the new year. At Momentous School, August means home visits: a week-long excursion visiting every student in his/her home. Keep reading...
Our Changing the Odds speaker, Valerie Maholmes, shares a guest blog post about why hope matters. Keep reading...
The students at Momentous School are hard at work on their summer reading. And we know they're enjoying it, because we can see their progress! Read more about how we went digital with summer reading...
We made an intentional shift in the way our cafeteria works and it’s made a world of difference. Keep reading...
"It wasn't too far into the year when Cristina considered quitting her job. She loves teaching and knows that it's her passion in life. But this student had pushed so many buttons that she thought it might be time to walk away." Read more...
Teachers often set expectations for students. But another step is sometimes left out: expectations for the teacher. Read more!
We don't like to play favorites, but... we do love this classroom! Join us for the next stop on our tour of Momentous School.
We’re big on parent involvement at Momentous School. Learn about how we involve families in our school community through our Parent Center.
Ever heard a teacher say, "Please don't touch the walls"? At Momentous School, we say, "Go ahead! Touch the walls!"
As part of our tour of Momentous School, read about our huge entry art project designed by school families.
Want to know more about what happens in our elementary school? Join us as we showcase our work and strategies in action.
No one has time to read hundreds of books, especially parents! We've narrowed it to one recommended book for each period of adolescence. Plus - our favorite book for kids at each age, too!
Our P.E. teacher shares an amazingly simple breathing tool. You'll love it!
Sensory Processing can be a difficult topic to understand. This guest post from Dr. Jamie Chaves at The Center for Connection takes a deeper look.
Technology isn't going away, but childhood is. This post is a friendly reminder to put away your phone and be present with your children.
Our Huddle Up team members weigh in on how they use language in their program with teenagers.
You're wandering the aisles at the grocery store. Then, it happens. The tantrum.
Let’s be honest – kids don’t need another boring adult telling them what to do.
In this post, we discuss how to manage romantic relationships when children are involved. Keep reading...
If we were to think that the kids were bad or broken, they would know. Read more...
There's one very important concept we want everyone to know: attunement. What is attunement, and what do you need to know about it?
We love the idea from Dr. Gottman about the magic ratio of positivity to negativity.
The time has come. Your child is asking for her own cell phone. What do you do next?
There are really two ways to navigate the world. We can move away from things we fear, or we can move towards things we love.
It's so easy to get caught up in the daily work of raising teenagers that we forget to look forward. Keep reading...
Inside your teenager is the sweet little girl she once was. Take a moment to remember that.
"If your teenager fails a test, that doesn’t mean she will never go to college. If your teenager gets in a fight, that doesn’t mean he’ll end up in prison." Keep reading...
If teenagers have a superpower, it’s the ability to shoot a dagger right where it hurts. Say it with us now. It's not personal.
This one tiny step can completely change an interaction with a teenager.
So you're trying to connect with a teenager and getting nowhere. Try putting her in the role of consultant!
Is social media becoming a huge part of your teens' social world? Try this activity to connect with them.
The teenager years are a time to reframe our thinking on failure and struggle...
The idea of dealing with adolescents can often be daunting for parents and educators. We'd like to reframe how we think about teenagers. Read on...
Safe, predictable, nurturing and loving relationships, especially in the early years of childhood, are critical. Why?
Most of us experience stress on a daily basis, and our bodies are designed to handle small amounts of stress. But what happens when our bodies and brains experience stress on a frequent, ongoing basis, or when stress is severe? Read this guest post from Dr. Jamie Chaves to learn more.
Summer Rose loves the movie "Inside Out" and thinks it paints a great picture of attachment. Read on...
In a moment of quiet between the pain, anger, and sadness, take a moment to send compassionate, loving energy toward yourself, someone you love, or perhaps someone who needs love dearly.
Momentous School families write vision statements for their children. Watch this video to learn about the incredible impact this has on our families and teachers.
The incredibly inspirational Lizzie Velasquez shares this guest post on advice for parents of children with disabilities. Read on...
We know that a secure attachment is best for children, but what happens when they don’t have that? What does that look like for children, and how can we, as adults who work with children, care for and connect with these kids?
Some children need extra support when they're facing a separation from their parents, even if it's just a brief time away. Read on for strategies on how to ease the separation.
Dacher Keltner, author of The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence contributes this guest blog on Viral Compassion. Keep reading...
Michelle Kinder shares her thoughts on talking to children about recent events in this editorial on time.com.
Read Michelle Kinder's post in TIME on terrible things the election is teaching children, and how to counter them.
In light of last night's tragic violence in Dallas, we are re-posting this article with advice for talking to children about bad things in the news.
The wonderful Dr. Tina Payne Bryson shares about attachment in this guest video blog post. Take a look!
Learn more about the single greatest predictor of success for children in this deep dive into attachment.
Read our book review of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff.
Guest Melissa Marks Garner offers 6 tips to soften your inner critic and be kinder to yourself. Keep reading...
Dive deeper into our relationship with Susan Kaiser Greenland by reading about our recent Skype session.
Our Director of Education Sandy Nobles shares more about our in-depth work with Susan Kaiser Greenland. Read more...
Michelle Kinder has a tool that has changed the way she and her team operated. Read on...
Learn how one teacher overcame the urge to yell when frustrated, and how that impacted her classroom.
"I used to have a picture in my mind of what a meditator looked like. I am not that woman. Not by a long shot. But I do meditate every day and here’s why."
Extending care to others usually comes easily to most people. But we can run ourselves ragged if ALL we do is care for others.
If self-care was as simple as getting a manicure when you’re stressed out, we’d all be in good shape. But it’s not. Keep reading...
If you’re operating out of stress, frustration, and anxiety, you’re not going to be able to be that calm, collected and caring adult that the children need from you. Join us as we dive into the topic of self-care.
We've talked about raising girls. But there's a lot to say about raising boys, too. Dr. Matt Leahy weighs in.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we gave directions and our kids followed them… the first time…every time? Now come back to reality. Let's chat about kids who aren't following directions.
Should we tell our children what to do? Should we let them make their own decisions? Read our back and forth conversation about allowing children to question authority.
Raising a girl to be strong, competent and engaged can feel like a daunting task. These strategies might help.
Sometimes I need this reminder, so I wanted to share it in case others needed reminding, too.
Moving to a new house? Switching schools? How can we help children transition through these big changes in life? Keep reading...
When a child is old enough to access technology, gets a cell phone of her own and starts signing up for social media accounts, many parents wonder how to monitor. Read her text messages? Know her Facebook password? Here's our advice.
We know that trying to fix our children's problems for them doesn't usually work. So what should we do when they want to talk?
We want kids to understand that the goal of learning is to use what they know to help others and make the world a better place.
Raising children with two cultures is both an amazing opportunity and an occasional challenge. Read more...
A reader wrote in to ask us how to set appropriate consequences for her children. Read our response...
Helping children cope with grief can be one of the hardest challenges we face as adults. Here is a breakdown by age that can help you connect at an appropriate level.
Let's talk about how to raise a child to be un-spoiled, and how to un-spoil a child who we accidentally let go down the wrong path a little too long.
You probably haven't thought about anger like this before.
How to talk to teens about drinking, PLUS - what to do when they slip up. Keep reading...
As parents, our first instinct might be to take over and solve this issue for our children. Read this post for a different method for handling bullying.
When working with kids with anxiety, our goal shouldn't be to get rid of it altogether, but we definitely want to give kids tools to help them channel it. Keep reading...
What do I tell my kid when bad things happen in the news? How much is too much? Should I not say anything? Answers to your pressing questions about talking to kids about current events.
If you think someone you love is in an abusive relationship, keep reading...
This post is part of our “I’m Stumped: Our Answers to Your Common Parenting Dilemmas” series.
We've all been there. The dreaded power struggle. Here's how to avoid the land of "Because I said so."
Part two of "How to Talk to Your Kids About Divorce" focuses on the ongoing relationship with your co-parent and children.
In this two-part post, we'll share strategies for supporting your children through your divorce.
Part of our "I'm Stumped" series - read this post on how to respond when your child tells you a lie.
We are excited to launch a new series on the blog. Send us your toughest parenting questions!
Our dear friend, Dr. Rick Hanson, shares this wonderful guest blog post. Read on!
This is a very, very simple trick for helping kids when they get stuck.
Have you ever asked a child, “Why did you do that?” or “How do you feel about that?” Has the response ever been, “I dunno”? A blank stare?
Former Momentous Institute therapist shares an art project that helps kids identify their feelings.
The stories shared here will change the way you view difficult children and will give you new insight into the children you work with.
The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland is one of our very favorite books. Read our review!
Here’s a simple piece of advice when working with kids who have experienced trauma.
This simple strategy can diffuse tension, break free from power struggles, and even help solve behavioral issues.
Do you work with adolescents? Have you bought into the “raging hormones” myth?
On the first week of school, we did something a little crazy. We set up an activity that we knew the kids would fail.
We love this TED talk from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris about trauma and health.
You get that feeling in your throat. You don’t know what to say or do. Ask him follow-up questions? Send him to the counselor? Change the subject?
Take it beyond teaching kindness - try this activity to put kindness into action.
Many of us are able to bounce back from failure. But for kids who are in trauma, failure can sometimes feel like the end of the world.
It's not what's wrong with you, it's what's happened to you. Keep reading...
Transitions can be tricky. Especially for kids who have experienced trauma. Try these simple strategies to help.
The rougher your childhood is, the more challenges you’ll face later in life. This is the premise behind the ACE study. What is it? Learn more...
It has been estimated that each year, over one million children in the United States are misdiagnosed with a mental illness that could be better explained by trauma.
We’re diving into a series on trauma. We hope to give you a greater understanding of trauma and how it might be affecting the children you work with.
Our response to a question via Twitter on how to manage test-taking anxiety. Read our tips!
Read our book review of The Tooth by Avi Slovdovnick, and check out the video!
We previously got rid of chairs in one of our classrooms. What? Keep reading!
This is a great tool to use for any big experience – the holidays, a trip, a new house, a new baby, a doctor’s appointment.
What does my family hope for me? Momentous School students find out.
Have you ever had a wonderful idea? You can just picture it in your head – it’s going to be amazing! Then you go to execute your idea, and – well…
"We were blown away by their responses." Read more about this amazing brain project!
Do you have a child who struggles with anger? Check out this must read book.
When kids have a hard time verbalizing their behavior, try this strategy from our therapeutic group leader, Eric.
We’ve all been there. A child acts out just to get your attention. What do you do?
A family flag can help identify values and help children have a stronger sense of self. Read on…
If we want kids to be good friends, we have to teach them what makes someone a good friend. Try this!
There’s one thing that is found in every single classroom in our school. Read on to learn about the most important classroom display.
Kids have different parts of themselves that they show to others. Use this strategy to help learn more about a child's complex self.
Time for a recap on day two of our Changing the Odds Conference!
We are all feeling inspired from an amazing two days of learning! Read the recap on day one of the Changing the Odds Conference.
Have a child fill a bag with a special item from home. Read more...
One way to show a child that he is seen and understood is to have him create a self-portrait. Read more...
What do you do when your 8-year old decides she no longer likes soccer halfway through the season? Do you ask her to stick it out so that she’s not a quitter? Do you teach her to follow through with her commitments? Do you let her walk away?
The goal is to help families find hope in moments of despair. Read on...
There are plenty of books about persisting with something and thinking outside the box, but few as funny and creative as Stuck. Read our review!
Perhaps the simplest way to build resilience in kids is to just switch our language. Try this!
Kids will love this funny read-aloud book about a kid named Louie whose story just keeps getting ruined. Poor Louie! He can’t tell his story because it keeps getting messed up. Keep reading...
We all want our children to be kind and successful, and yet we often don’t fully articulate those visions. Try this!
Do you know a kid who gives up when things aren't working out for him? Read "Ish" and remind him that just because we didn't get it right the first time, we definitely shouldn't give up.
There's no way to protect children from encountering obstacles. The best we can do is teach them how to overcome challenges, learn from them, and grow stronger as a result.
Who better to explain kindness than Momentous School student Camila? Couldn't have explained it better ourselves.
So-called "invisible" kids are all around us. How can we help them have the happy ending this story gives us?
I know "easy" isn't a bad word in the traditional sense. But here's why I banned it in my classroom.
"We have to treat everyone like they are the butterfly, not the ugly caterpillar." Read this post from Momentous School Music Teacher Kevin Roberts about a lesson in kindness.
How often do we call attention to kindness? Try this simple strategy!
"Kindness comes backs to you." Let Leo and Kyndall teach you about the importance of kindness in this adorable video.
A simple tool to encourage kind words is to see if the words would get past the three gates.
One of our favorite books about kindness and treating other people with respect!
Momentous School teachers visit each student in his/her home at the start of the school year. Watch this video to learn more about the impact that home visits make on the kids, parents, and teachers all year long.
It's important to teach kindness to young children, but finding ways to be kind can be tricky. Try this: Make a magic wand.... Read more.
The answer to this question seems pretty obvious. But read on to see why kindness is so important to teach kids.
We love this short video that showcases a fun and easy activity that can help build empathy with kids.
Check out this great Sesame Street video on empathy. Perfect for teaching empathy to kids!
This is a simple game that can be played anywhere, any time with no props! Read on...
Kids who have experienced trauma or neglect may have a more difficult time empathizing with others. Read on for strategies.
Those Shoes is a great book to help teach the concept of empathy. Check out our review.
Momentous Institute staff and students share their definition of empathy in this video. Take a look!
Research tells us that kids who engage in meaningful conversations about emotional experiences have higher levels of empathy. Read more...
What is empathy? Delilah, an 8-year old and second grade student at Momentous School can tell you!
Kids always notice when another student in class is absent. So try building upon that. Send well wishes!
We love love love this animated video from Brené Brown about the difference between empathy and sympathy.
We’re raising tomorrow’s adults. What kind of friend do you want to be surrounded by? What kind of employee do you want to hire?
Get yourself a large magnifying glass and use it as your "perspective lens" to help kids see another person's perspective.
How would someone feel if he found out that his best friend was moving to a new city far away? Try this and other questions to help kids think about another person's perspective.
For a great game that helps develop perspective taking, look no further than your mismatched Lego collection.
Like the seven blind mice, kids need to learn the important lesson that we don't always see things in the same ways as others, but that another person's perspective is just as important as our own.
Stop the cycle of winning/losing a battle. Introduce the reset and stop the battle right in its tracks.
Remember the game Battleship? Take the game to a new level by building in some perspective-taking questions.
Just when you think you know where you are, the perspective changes. Check out our book review for Zoom by Istvan Banyai.
Try this simple name change trick to have a deep, rich conversation with a child.
Perspective taking is all about looking at things in a different way. Sometimes that can be really, really difficult for kids. The magic sunglasses are a concrete way to get the idea through to them, and it makes a huge difference.
Often kids see the world in black and white. Encouraging a child to think about a different perspective can help.
Looking for a great book about perspective taking? "Hey, Little Ant" is just what you need. Read our book review!
Being able to take someone else’s perspective is a precursor to empathy. Before we can really understand and empathize with another, we must first be able to step into their shoes and see the world from their point of view. What does that mean? Read on.
"A kid who reads this book can think about how happiness can help him overcome whatever shark he’s facing – whether it’s a bully, a negative person, or a toxic relationship. Happiness is contagious!" Read more in this book review of "Ripple's Effect."
It would be wonderful if we lived in a world where we didn’t need this book. But because terrible things do happen, "A Terrible Thing Happened" is incredibly helpful. Read our review of this book for children who have witnessed violence or trauma.
Our students spend more time in our classroom than they do even with their own families. How can we make this home away from home a comfortable place? Try this simple idea from our fourth grade teacher, Kim Robinson.
Feeling stressed about stress? Watch these stress management techniques -- perfect for sharing with children!
What does stress do to our brain, and how does it affect children? Watch this video to find out.
Why on Earth are we talking about cat hair? We promise this is relevant. Watch this short video to learn more about how a cat hair has anything to do with stress.
All year long my fifth grade class talks about champions. What is a champion? Are champions only athletes? Are champions only famous people? Heavens no! All of us can be champions!
In the number one most viewed TED talk of all time, Sir Ken Robinson argues that schools are killing creativity. Read on to learn more about this message, and a chance to hear from Robinson in person!
Instead of returning an assignment with a bunch of red marks, try this strategy to help build grit.
What makes Momentous School so unique? Experience a day in the life with this video.
Has all this talk about grit made you wonder how gritty you are? Get your grit score!
Get a sneak peek of this soon-to-be-released book: "The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed"
Michelle Kinder shares three little words that get a ton of play in her household. You'll love this simple strategy, or rather, Jedi mind trick!
"As I’m sure you can guess, many of the teenagers don’t mind talking about what they did well, but they often shut down when asked about the frustrations. Although we honor their resistance to sharing, we also invite them to learn grit." Read more...
What is all the buzz around the word grit? And why should we teach children about it?
A Momentous Institute intern asks her fellow college students about social emotional health. What does she discover in their responses? Read on.
The work we do as therapists is difficult. But little moments make it all worth it. Summer Rose shares about one such moment.
Our outlook on life gives us the flexibility to bounce back and keep moving. It gives us the vision to try again or in another way. Keep reading...
We LOVE this book for young readers about how to transform a mistake into something wonderful.
Our brain needs training to zero in on the positive things around us. Here's one easy activity!
It can be hard to be optimistic when negative thoughts are weighing us down. Sometimes kids need a way to get rid of the negativity before they can move on.
A simple way to encourage optimism in your classroom or home!
Next time you're with a child who has made a mountain our of a molehill, try these questions to bring him back down to reality.
Optimists see the glass as half-full. But what does this really mean? And why should we care? Read on.
Momentous School teacher Jennifer Hartmann shares a strategy she uses to help kids express their appreciation for each other.
If gratitude is about appreciating the small things, the author of "The Book of Awesome" is the most grateful person ever.
Use the adorable toad as a way to help kids express gratitude... or rather, grati-TOAD.
Momentous School teachers Sarah and Rene think that every school should have a gratitude tree. Read on to see why.
Momentous School first grade teacher Ashley Stephenson shares about her class' gratitude journals in this short video.
Watch this short video to see Momentous School art teacher using mindfulness to help with the transition back to class.
Try this simple activity to help kids focus and take a minute to slow down.
Kids can go from zero to 60 in no time at all. But the reverse? Not quite so fast. Try this activity to help kids focus and calm down.
This simple art project can help kids build up the brain-body connection and get in touch with their emotions.
Watch this short video on how Momentous School's principal, Sandy Nobles, uses social emotional health strategies to reinforce positive discipline.
Check out this book review on "What Does It Mean To Be Present?" It has valuable lessons for kids and adults alike.
“How are you feeling right now? What is the weather inside you like?"
Learn how Momentous School teacher used mindful observation with her fifth grade scientists.
A quick intro to how one Momentous School teacher uses mindful practices in her classroom.
A senses journal is a great way to get kids to pay mindful attention to the world around them.
An easy way to incorporate mindfulness into daily life is to take ordinary, daily activities and do them mindfully. Try mindful eating!
When we practice mindfulness, we are happier, healthier and have improved overall well-being. Sounds pretty great, right? Read on for more.
We love this colorful book about eating mindfully. Read the full book review of "No Ordinary Apple".
Here’s a simple activity you can try to encourage focus and impulse control. We call it New Rule.
Watch this video to learn about an impulse control group activity called Pass the Cup.
Children who can control their impulses are more independent, have more friends, develop broader vocabularies, feel more confident, and make better choices. Read on for more about why we should teach kids about impulse control.
Here's a roundup of some of our favorite videos about feelings, from who else? The brilliant minds at Sesame Street.
Read our book review on Paul Tough's bestseller, "How Children Succeed"
The anger is back! Read our review of Steps and Stones, by the author of Anh's Anger.
The book "What to Do When you Worry Too Much" might help the worrier in your life.
Here's a simple strategy you can use to help a child who sometimes becomes consumed with worry.
Here's our book review on Lauren Rubenstein's "Visiting Feelings". This is a great book to read with children to help them understand that feelings come and go!
What do we do when we have strong feelings? Check out this post about controlling our heartbeat in order to control our feelings.
Sometimes children get stuck in a feeling and have a hard time moving on. It’s important to teach kids that feelings can melt away. Here’s a really visual way to drive that lesson home for kids.
When a child is stuck in a feeling, it can be hard for them to even imagine feeling any differently. Enter the feelings thermometer.
We love the idea of the cup a saucer, a simple way to think about managing emotions.
Check out our book review of the children's book "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo" by Rachel Vail.
We’ve all been there – overcome with emotion, angry, frustrated. Enter the calm-down basket. You'll want to build your own immediately! Read on.
Help a child release a worry and receive a joy with this simple activity.
Instead of, "You seem really grumpy today," try, "The grumpy seems to be big and in charge right now." Read on to see how to use the idea of externalizing behavior to help kids with their feelings.
Sometimes kids think their emotions are permanent. Use this simple analogy to help them understand that they're not actually going to feel sad FOREVER.
Feelings are a normal part of being human. One of the most important things we can teach children is how to deal with their feelings appropriately.
What kid doesn't love pretending to be an animal? Here's a quick breathing activity that kids will love. Read on to learn about bunny breath.
The Hoberman Sphere is one of our favorite tools for teaching kids about breathing. Check it out!
Momentous School student Eric leads us in a very quick breathing exercise in this short video.
You'll love Moody Cow and his grandfather in this great book that teaches about mindfulness. Read the full review!
Our Pre-K Teacher, Cristina Garcia, leads us through a breathing activity called Balloon Arms in this short video. Check it out!
Momentous School PreK-3 year old teacher Juanita Cabrales talks about introducing mindful breathing with her three-year-old students in this video.
Have you thought about your own breathing lately? Let's all take a quick break and check in with ourselves.
Here's a simple, concrete way to help kids understand breath and experience deep, belly breathing.
Breathing is something that we do all day, every day. Why would kids need to know about it? Read on to learn some of the benefits of teaching kids about their breath.
Our brains are like a rubber band. The more we practice, the more it can stretch and grow. Use actual rubber bands to help kids understand this important concept. Read on.
We all know about the value of exercise, but how can we get kids moving? Try one of these three strategies.
No brain is the best. So says this delightful childrens' book. Read the full review!
Here's another version of the brain hat. Grab your caulk and get to work making this fun project!
Did you know your brain can stretch and grow your whole life? Kids will learn all about the brain with this fun book. Read the full book review!
Momentous Institute Psychologist Dr. Matt Leahy discusses using mindful analogies to answer the question, "Why am I in therapy?"
How do we talk about core values with the families at Momentous School? Read this post from first grade teacher Ashley Stephenson.
The Whole-Brain Child is one of our favorite books for anyone who works with kids. Read this quick review, and then grab a copy and read the whole thing!
Just like cities are made up of small and large buildings, so are our brains! Read how one Momentous School teacher got creative with this idea and created Brain City.
How can an understanding of core values help guide families to success in a therapeutic setting?
Our work at Momentous Institute is based upon a model we developed for social emotional health. Read this post to learn about what steps are involved in building and repairing social emotional health in children.
One simple three-letter word can totally transform a message and encourage kids to keep trying. Read on to learn more about this magic word!
A simple art project that teaches us about the brain and helps us calm down? Sign us up! Read on to learn how to make your very own glitter jar.
We believe that kids should be taught at an early age about the basic working of the brain. Why? Read on.
The glitter ball is our favorite tool for helping kids (and adults) learn to calm down their brains to make good decisions and think clearly.
An important element of social emotional health is kindness. In each interaction, we have the choice to be kind or unkind
At Momentous Institute, we talk all the time about social emotional health. We say, “This stuff matters” and “This stuff works!” As a researcher, I wanted to substantiate these claims with data. So I began a research study about the effects of our social emotional curriculum on academic outcomes.
Imagine this: a child gets an A on her spelling test. You tell her, “Great job! You are really smart.” Nothing wrong with that, right?
Want to feel hopeful about the future? Start prioritizing social emotional health.
Hear from Dr. Jessica Gomez as she explains why her work with resilient families has inspired her to lead Momentous Institute into an exciting future.
Check out the exciting work Terrell Independent School District is taking on as they add our Changemakers curriculum to classrooms this fall!
Though it can feel intangible and complex, how can we encourage others and ourselves to build hope this year?
Though the AT&T Byron Nelson had a new home in McKinney, TX in 2021, its commitment to change the odds for children through the work of Momentous Institute remained the same. Check out the highlights!
From our March 11, 2021 webinar, we discuss in detail important strategies for building resilience in the school setting.
From our March 9, 2021 webinar, we examine frequent causes of big behaviors in the classroom and offer insight on how to manage them.
From our March 4, 2021 webinar, we address challenges that are unique to social emotional learning and offer solutions to managing them.
From our March 2, 2021 webinar, we discuss trauma in the classroom and the most appropriate strategies for managing classrooms and campuses.
Don't Stress! There are many ways to help eliminate those "big feelings" you may have during testing time and Seth is here to give you just a few.
Your hand can be a breathing tool! This is a great breathing activity that can be done in the classroom but easily works by video as well. Be sure to mute students during this time so that there are no distracting sounds.
How can you make breathing visual and fun for your little ones? Ask them to imagine blowing on a cup of hot chocolate!
Should having diversity in the classroom dictate how diverse the learning is? During the Changing the Odds 2019 conference, Austin Channing Brown speaks on the importance of diversity in learning for students.
From The Growing Brain podcast episode, How to Talk to Kids about the News with Garica Sanford: In today's 24-hour news cycle, it can be difficult to know when - and how - to talk to kids about what is happening. How much is too much? How do we talk about difficult things in an age-appropriate way? How do we respond to their questions? In this episode, we'll look at answers to these questions and more.
An animated clip from the episode A Healthy Night's Sleep from our podcast The Growing Brain! We all know sleep is important. But why? What happens when children sleep? How much do they need? How can we ensure they get quality sleep? Learn all about sleep in this episode with guest Dr. Laura Vogel.
Songs are an amazing tool to use for connecting with a child! Use these 3 examples of adding some physical interaction to well known jingles, or as a guide to create your own motion to your child's current favorite song!
Here's a fun, quick strategy you can do with your little one at home! Using pillows can help with motor skills, balance, and overall connection with your child!
Blankets are a great tool for you and your partner to use for building better connection with your child, though, depending on the age or excitement of your child, they can be a little risky. So, it's important to know your child and figure out the best way to use this tool to your advantage!
It can be hard to be optimistic when negative thoughts are weighing us down. Sometimes kids need a way to get rid of the negativity before they can move on.
When a child is stuck in a feeling, it can be hard for them to even imagine feeling any differently. Enter the feelings thermometer! Watch the video to learn more!
Try this quick way to explain the brain with your hand. We love this concept from Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Be sure to check out our other brain related content here on this blog!
By using a pipe cleaner, some beads, and a little bit of twisting, you could help kids make a tool that helps reinforce the self-regulating power of breath awareness.
From our April 30, 2020 webinar, Daniel Knoll, M.Ed. and Rhonda Vincent, Ph.D., discuss ways to facilitate social emotional learning while teaching remotely.
From our April 24, 2020 webinar, Daniel Knoll, M.Ed., and Tina Robertson, LCSW, discuss ways to support teachers' mental health as they navigate distance learning.
From our May 15, 2020 webinar, Stephanie F. McGary, LPC, RPT and Tara Becker, LMSW discuss parenting tips for sharing COVID-19 news, managing fears and how to keep learning going at home.
What is empathy and why is it important? Whether its for creating long lasting relationships, or just helping to understand different perspectives, empathy is a vital tool that everyone has access to! Learn more!
This fun activity is great for introducing new sounds and words to your little ones! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Use Cheerios for working on fine motor skills with a peanut jar, water bottle, or any container you have! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Use puff balls for tracking, sensory learning, and as objects to find around the house! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
Here's how you can use bubbles for learning! Activities drawn from Theraplay by Booth & Jernberg and The Parent’s Guide to Play by Masi & Leiderman.
For our 2nd grade service project, the students worked together in organizing the different grades and faculty to bring in hats and gloves to the Joppa community here in South Dallas.
Trauma is a pretty daunting word, but it doesn't have to be! Our own Summer Rose lays the foundation on what trauma means and how you can battle it.
Thanksgiving is around the corner and a great way to be festive while teaching gratitude is utilizing Thankful Pumpkins! Use this with your students or children!
Can being grateful actually benefit your health? Listen in to our own Tina Robertson as she explains how there's more to gratitude than just saying "thank you."
Momentous School Principal, Daniel Knoll, gives us a little insight into our brains!
Next time your child or student is having a hard time handling their emotions, remember that their cup is still growing!
Harllee's new principal, Amber Shields, talks about her excitement in starting her first year as Principal for Harllee Early Childhood Center and working with Momentous!
Non-Directive play can be critical in developing meaningful relationships with children. Clinician, Jeannette Grisales, fills us in!
Trying to build Safe Relationships with students who pull away is very difficult, but it's important to be consistent. Stephanie McGary talks about ways to pull those kids back in.
Momentous School students teach us about the three main parts of the brain.
This classroom strategy teaches students how to focus on one activity while also learning spatial awareness and teamwork.
Momentous School second-grader Derek takes us through his amygdala breathing exercise.
We're all familiar with classroom agreements, but have you considered adding agreements for what students can expect from their teacher? Learn more in this quick video.
3 self-care practices to help teachers prepare for the upcoming school year.
Classroom expectations and procedures for teachers to consider in preparation for the school year.
Parents, as you're getting your little one prepared for the first day of school, getting yourself prepared is just as important.
Parents, the big day is almost here! Here are a few tips to help with your child's transition into the new school year.
Most teachers are familiar with the classic clip chart, a behavior management technique designed to help students control their behavior and make good choices. Flip the Clip turns this concept into a method that is positive, respectful and results in a classroom culture with strong social emotional health.
Learn more about how we define social emotional health - and why we believe it is so important.
Momentous School 3 year olds perform "The Brain Song" by their teacher, Juanita Cabrales. Enjoy!
Kindergartner Natalie teaches us about using the chime and breathing time - Thanks, Natalie!
Testing can be just as stressful for teachers as it is for our students, so it's important to remember to take time for ourselves during this time.
A quick and easy breathing strategy we use here at Momentous, which gives our students something concrete to imagine and help with deep breathing. It can be done anywhere at anytime!
3rd grader, Faith, tells us why she likes using the Hoberman Sphere to help with her breathing!
Life can be full of ups and downs, just like riding a roller-coaster. Visit our blog to download your own sheet so kids can draw out their emotions like a rollercoaster.
Momentous School Principal, Daniel Knoll, tells us how he utilized box breathing in the classroom. Take this strategy with you anywhere since no materials are needed!
Creating safe relationships in the classroom can be your number one priority as a teacher, but it can be daunting. Each student is different, so how can you connect with them in a safe and meaningful way? Our very own, Keisha Wright, opens up the conversation!
5th grade Teacher, Meredith Gunter, shows us how to utilize anchor spots when breathing.
If you're looking to create safe relationships with students in the classroom, one easy way is to connect with them through shared, common interests. Our own Matthew Leahy, Ph.D. explains!
As teachers, we tend to focus on the negative of what students are outputting, but when building safe relationships, it's important to not be afraid to praise students on their efforts! Lauren Mann, Ph. D. tells us more about it!
Summer's can be especially daunting for parents, but we're here to help give a few tips on how to make the most of your child being home over the break.
Ever wondered how the simple act of breathing can affect your body? Well, you're in luck! Our own Jordan Watts gives a quick rundown in our new series.
Here are two postures to consider while teaching: a posture of Curiosity and a posture of Playfulness. The most important thing with utilizing these postures in the classroom - do what feels the most comfortable and genuine for yourself!
Try this quick way to explain the brain with your hand. We love this concept from Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
Have you wondered how language can affect your relationship with the children in your home or classroom? Our own Karen Dumas explains!
Try using Friendly Wishes to have your students practice empathy for their friends and classmates!
Our own Fred Lines explains attunement and mindful tracking in the classroom!
One of the keys to building safe relationships with students is making sure the adults on campus have safe relationships among themselves. Vickie Echols fills us in!
Building Safe Relationships with your students is not an easy task, especially when you're working under academic pressure. We all want our kids to do well, so Kelly Richmond gives us 3 easy steps to remember when working towards safe relationships (chances are you might be doing them without realizing!).
Trying to build Safe Relationships with students who pull away is very difficult, but it's important to be consistent. Stephanie McGary talks about ways to pull those kids back in.
Non-Directive play can be critical in developing meaningful relationships with children. Clinician Jeannette Grisales fills us in!
Harllee's new principal, Amber Shields, talks about her excitement in starting her first year as Principal for Harllee Early Childhood Center and working with Momentous!
What's a reliable way to build cognitive empathy with your kids? Sometimes just talking about feelings is the best route to take.
Practicing perspective taking is a great way to help kids form empathy!
When hoping to build safe relationships with a new class after summer break, it's important to consider your space (the learning environment) and time!
Ruptures and mistakes can be fairly common to classrooms and, although they are unfortunate, they can be used to further build repairs with your students by focusing on repairing those mistakes or ruptures.
My brain is the most important part of me! Allow these Perea Elementary Students in Memphis, Tennessee to teach you about their brain in this catchy song written by LaChelle Walker.
Our own Dr. Aileen Fullchange explains how someone can earn a secure attachment style throughout their lifetime.
When dealing with children who might be dealing with some overwhelming emotions, it's important to remember that it's not personal.
Want to know how we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom at Momentous School? Watch this short video to learn more.
Learn more about Momentous School, a lab school in Dallas, Texas dedicated to social emotional health.
Momentous School student Kai talks about how he used mindful breathing at home.
Momentous School 3-year-old class, led by Juanita Cabrales, do a mindful activity from Susan Kaiser Greenland called Tic-Toc.
Momentous School student Angelo tells us about a time when he had empathy for a friend.
Momentous School kindergarten students want us to know that we all have emotions.
Cute alert! Practice your mindful breathing with Momentous School student Faith.
Flash Focus on Relationships, a presentation from staff at Momentous Institute. Jennifer Hartmann shares about Relationships: The Difference that Makes a Difference.
We believe that all parents truly want the best for their children and have high hopes and dreams for their futures. At Momentous School, we ask all parents to complete a vision statement for their child. We use these to help guide our students and to refocus on the big picture if things go off-track. We encourage every school to add vision statements to their beginning of the year routine!
Momentous School student Camila wants to teach you a lesson about kindness.
Momentous Institute staff and students share the definition of empathy.
Momentous School second-grader Jared talks about feeings in the Kids Talk series.
Momentous School Pre-K student Faith shared about breathing in this adorable video
Momentous School Kindergarten student Taryn shares about the brain in the Kids Talk series
Momentous School student Delilah shares about empathy in the Kids Talk series
What is a typical day for Momentous School? Check out this video to learn more about how we infuse social emotional health into everything that we do.
Momentous School teacher Jennifer Hartmann shares a simple classroom strategy that helps all students develop a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: just breathe. John Edmonson of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: shake it off. John Edmonson of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Frankie Perez and Fred Lines of Momentous Institute explain stress in a way that is easy to understand. Make sure to check out our Got Stress? strategies!
Got Stress? Try this simple strategy: take a knee. Fred Lines of Momentous Institute shows you how.
Got Stress? Time to find out what your cat hair is. Fred Lines of Momentous Institute explains.
Got Stress? Watch Momentous Institute experts explain toxic stress and four simple strategies to combat it.
Got Stress? Momentous Institute experts share four simple strategies to combat it.
Learn how Momentous School's art teacher, Talitha Kiwiet, uses mindfulness practices to help students transition in and out of the art classroom.
Here's a quick strategy to help students focus attention. All you need are cups and water!
Before the start of each new academic year, Momentous School teachers visit students at their homes. This helps build a great relationship between home and school.
Learn more about how Momentous School visits each of our Pre-K families in their home throughout their first year. Home visits help strengthen the parent-school connection and set students up for success both at school and at home.
Momentous School student Eric leads you through an original breathing exercise
Momentous School Pre-K3 teacher Juanita Cabrales explains how she uses mindful breathing three times each day.
Momentous Institute's Director of Education shares how she approaches discipline with social emotional health in mind.
The glitter ball is our favorite strategy for helping kids understand the power of breathing to calm their big emotions.
Momentous School students Trent, Sussan, and Adriana teach us about our favorite tool, the glitter ball.
Learn the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and tips for conversations with kids with guest Dena Kohleriter.
For parents who are starting the journey of special education services, this episode is for you.
In this episode we dive into all things ADHD with guest Ivette Lampl, a therapist who has spent her career working with kids with ADHD, and is a mom of two kids with ADHD.
This episode features therapist Gaby Satarino who dives into the mental health aspect of anxiety. What does social anxiety look like in children and teens, what is behind the behavior, and what can we do about it?
In this two-part series, we’ll discuss what anxiety looks like in children, and what we can do to best support children who suffer from anxiety. This episode features guest Dr. Ernie Fernandez, a local pediatrician, about the medical aspect of anxiety – what is happening in the brain, medication, and more.
Itchy tags, bright lights, loud noises, a constant need to be touched – these can all be signs of children with sensory challenges. Join guest Amelia Baladez to learn more about what parents can know to help manage sensory challenges at home and out in the world.
What should parents know about how girls operate in the world? How should we prepare for the teen years? What is important to girls? In this episode we dive into all things girls with guest Tania Loenneker.
Certainly all children are different, but there are many commonalities among boys. Diving into all things boys is guest Dr. Matthew Leahy who shares his learning from the past decade of working with boys.
We all know sleep is important. But why? What happens when children sleep? How much do they need? How can we ensure they get quality sleep? Learn all about sleep in this episode with guest Dr. Laura Vogel.
We’ve all been there. There’s nothing worse than a poorly timed tantrum in the middle of a busy day. But in this episode, we discuss ways to manage tantrums in the moment, and even how to avoid them altogether (at least sometimes!).
Two or more kids? This episode is for you. We’re talking about ways to build strong relationships between siblings, how to manage competition, sibling rivalry, and much more.
In today's 24-hour news cycle, it can be difficult to know when - and how - to talk to kids about what is happening. How much is too much? How do we talk about difficult things in an age-appropriate way? How do we respond to their questions? In this episode, we'll look at answers to these questions and more.
How can we raise children who are aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others? Looking for simple ways to weave emotional intelligence into your daily life? Look no further.
Every parent who sends a child to school deals with appropriate ways to communicate effectively with the school. We talk about parent conferences, how to respond when things aren't going well, and other tips for getting started on the right foot.
Pre-teen begging for a smart phone? Toddler anxious for more screen time? In this episode, we talk about the good and the bad with technology, including social media, texting, cyber bullying, and more.
Each child has his or her own temperament, and each parent does, too. In this episode, we explore different temperaments and how this knowledge can help parents best respond to their children.
Children moving to new homes, switching schools, dealing with a parent's divorce... learn strategies for helping children manage these important moments in their lives.
Teenagers! There's so much to love, and also… a few things to be curious, worried or just confused about. In this episode, we dive into what's happening in the brain of teenagers, and how parents can respond.
The amazing Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of New York Times best-sellers The Whole-Brain Child and No Drama Discipline gives us the run down on attachment. What is it, and why should parents know about it?
We've never met a child who has never misbehaved, so every parent needs to know how to effectively use discipline. In this episode, we learn discipline strategies that help build children's capacity to make good choices.
In this episode, we talk all about the brain. How are children's brains wired and developed over time? What should parents know about the growing brain? Learn this and more in the first episode of The Growing Brain.