Middle school is a time when students’ cognitive capacities, including abstract thinking and moral reasoning increase. During this time middle schoolers become aware and are especially sensitive to their peers and experience an increased intensity of emotions. Kids are "carrying" a lot in their metaphorical book bag even before they walk through our school doors some mornings.
The Wellness Room at CRMS was created with that in mind–helping students independently re-set, re-focus and return to learning.
Wellness Room Objective:
Students will independently work to self-regulate their emotions, problem solve and/or reset to return to the classrooms recentered and focused, allowing them to re-engage and be “ready to learn.” Counselors will be in the room, facilitating this work.
At any time during the day students can request to visit the Wellness Room for a quick reset. Signed agendas are the entry and exit passes to the room. Targeted maximum time in the Wellness Room is 10 minutes.
What’s in the Wellness Room?
Upon entering the room, students can choose a “what do I need card.”
Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution worksheet
Coloring/Journaling
Fidgets
A quiet space (noise cancellation headphones) or a book
Distraction (from my feelings) puzzles, crosswords, brain games, etc
Mindfulness (yoga cards, breathing exercises, etc)
After choosing a “what I need card” and giving it to the school counselor, students are able to choose flexible seating and use the manipulatives. Ten-minute sand timers are given to students to let them know when their time has expired. After signing out, students can request to see a school counselor if needed.
Science Links social/emotional wellness to Student Gains:
* Improvement in students’ social and emotional skills, attitudes, relationships, academic performance, and perceptions of classroom and school climate
* Decline in students’ anxiety and behavior problems
* Long-term improvements in students’ skills, attitudes, prosocial behavior, and academic performance
