1.MEH.1

1.MEH.1.1 Use effective communication to express and cope with emotions.Everyone has feelings and emotions, and throughout the day, feelings and emotions can change. Children can feel comfortable or uncomfortable with the way they feel. It is important for students to know how to calmly express their feelings in ways that do not hurt others. Feelings can be expressed by facial expressions and body language or by using words. Conflict resolution steps, I-messages, good listening skills and compromise help students effectively express and cope with emotions.
 * The student will identify a variety of comfortable and uncomfortable feelings or emotions. This list may include: happy, glad, sad, afraid, angry, mad, tired, frustrated, worried. The student will demonstrate ways to express feelings appropriately.
 * The student will practice using “I” messages to express feelings with words. These messages may include: I feel, I love, I like, I don’t like.
 * The student will practice steps of conflict resolution, state the problem, listen to each other, compromise, use “I” messages.

1.MEH.1.2 Use methods of positive coping with disappointment and failure.Everyone has had a “bad day.” Something did not go well even when a lot of time, energy and effort have been invested. It is important to understand that failing at something does not mean a person is a failure. The perspective and attitude of a child influences how they cope with failure and disappointment. It is important to understand that making mistakes and failing are part of the learning process. It is healthier not to dwell on the mistake, but to learn from it, ask for help, and fix it if possible then move on.
 * The student will identify positive coping strategies which may include: talk about feelings with a trusted adult, analyze what went wrong and can be improved for the next time, start over if possible to fix the problem, ask for help to practice the skills needed, or exercise to give some distance and time to evaluate the failure.

1.MEH.1.3 Classify stressors as positive or negative stress.Everyone experiences stress sometimes. Stress is the body’s reaction to strong emotions. It is normal to be anxious sometimes in the school day. Children may be anxious over a school play, a spelling test, learning a new math skill or an argument with a friend. Playing in an exciting team game can be stressful. This kind of temporary stress can challenge us to do our best. However, prolonged exposure to stress can cause a range of problems such as headaches, stomachaches, crying, not sleeping well, withdrawal, and being distracted. The stressors might include a pet dying, a parent yelling and being angry, illness in the family, divorce, a stepparent or new sibling joining the family, and conflicts between friends. Children who live in poverty or violent communities experience even more stress. Sometimes feelings can be so strong that a child may need help controlling or managing those feelings. Children need to be taught strategies to cope with the stress they feel.
 * The student will list stressors and categorize them as positive or negative.The student will identify coping strategies which may include: talk to a trusted adult or a friend, listen to music, read, play a game, play with a pet, draw, color or paint.