Carver Elementary

These are resources created to support parents and educators as they help children to emotionally cope in the aftermath of the 2021 winter storm disaster in Texas.

This link takes you to a blog post by Counselor Keri, where she shares information about how to set up your family calming corner at home, and provides printable supports to display in your family calming corner.

A tried and true strategy for self-calming is Box Breathing (also called 4-Square Breathing).  This video simply gives a visual for the steps:

Set one's gaze on a fixed location.

Breathing through the nose (preferably), slowly inhale/ breathe in for a count of four, while also tracking one's gaze upward to make the left side of a box.

Hold the breath to a count of four, while tracking one's gaze to the right to make the top of the box. 

Slowly exhale/ breathe out for a count of four, while also tracking one's gaze downward to make the right side of the box.

Hold the breath to a count of four, while tracking one's gaze to the left to complete the bottom of the box.

Repeat these steps as many times as is needed to slow  one's heartrate, and to create a more calm presence.

Simple Box Breathing Video

The GISD Department of Guidance and Wellness has created a Virtual Calming Room available to be used by parents, students, and staff. All of us at some time will need to take a step back from whatever it is we are working on and make sure we are taking care of our well-being. The Virtual Calming Room has a variety of relaxation and refocusing activities, all just a click away!  One example includes taking a virtual vacation to the San Diego Zoo via their live webcam. Check it out!

This resource, www.auntbertha.com is a search engine that provides information about resources available by location.