As teachers, we deeply care about our students, we all know THAT is not the issue. Anxiety is plaguing our students lately and we need simple and effective tools to help them both understand and manage it. I’ve got a great resource for you, the circle of control.
What’s in my control?
This is a hard question to answer for anyone, let alone children. The “circle of control” concept was designed to assist us in teaching students what situations are in and outside of their control.
It can be hard for kids to understand that many things actually are outside of our control, but that there’s other things that happen to us that we had some “say” in that may be hard to see at face value.
I created a hands-on activity pack that can help with both anxiety and decision making for kids as they begin to understand what situations are in their hands, and which ones they just need to learn to cope with.
Research supported
It’s always helpful to know that research supports our efforts when supporting students. A 2016 study on anxiety in children and adolescents supports the concept and teaching of the circle of control.
When people feel that they can exert control, they demonstrate better immune responses, cardiovascular functioning, physical strength, increased longevity, increased life satisfaction, and decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms (Pagnini et. al. 2016).
Of course we want this for our students, and more. How to get started? Keep reading.
The Circle of Control
I like starting these lessons with a definition of what it means for situations to be in and out of our personal circles of control.
As a whole group, with small groups, or partners (so many ways to adapt this!), now is a great time to sort scenario cards. Which situations are in a person’s control? If you can control them, what might you do next? If you can’t control them, how do you move forward? This simple sorting exercise opens up opportunities for awesome discussion.
Independent practice
It can be tempting to do 1-2 activities on the Circle of Control and move on to something new. I find it incredibly powerful to keep this concept on the docket all year long! The activity pack I created is filled with sorts, interactive worksheets, adapted books, strategy posters, and more. This means multiple tools and opportunities to learn and practice this skill. I have watched teachers in my own setting use these resources as early finisher options, center work, home extensions, and even choices for indoor recess. Click here to check it out!
This simple game sheet invites students to engage in healthy competition, graphing, reading for meaning, and practicing crucial SEL skills.
