Author Archives: Free Spirit Author

Acting Out: 3 Drama Exercises to Help Kids Manage Big Emotions

by Valerie Coulman, author of Dragons on the Inside (And Other Big Feelings) Whenever we tackle a new skill, we need practice. Whether it’s playing an instrument, baking the perfect cupcake, teaching in a classroom, or driving a forklift, we … Continue reading

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Using Wordless Picture Books to Get Kids Talking About Bullying

by Ken Willard, author of Laney Dances in the Rain National Bullying Prevention Month in October offers an opportunity to open a discussion on bullying that can continue all year, promote positive interaction, and offer children a safe space for … Continue reading

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Fostering Confidence and Self-Worth: Activities for Young Children

By Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., author of the Learning About Me & You, Learning to Get Along®, and Being the Best Me!® series As parents, teachers, or caretakers of young children, we all want to find the most effective ways … Continue reading

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8 Tips for Creating an Emotion-Rich Early Childhood Classroom

By Lindsay N. Giroux, M.Ed., author of Create an Emotion-Rich Classroom in Early Childhood: Helping Young Children Build Their Social Emotional Skills An intentionally created emotion-rich classroom provides opportunities for emotional growth for both children and teachers. Here are eight … Continue reading

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Using Humor to Teach Social and Emotional Skills

By Eric Braun, coauthor of How to Take the Ache Out of Mistakes and author of How to Take the Groan Out of Grown-Ups When I started middle school, I was, like most kids starting middle school, a bit nervous. … Continue reading

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