Funded in part by SAMHSA's Project AWARE initiative in collaboration with CT SDE and CT DCF
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER:
Resources for COVID and Beyond
Issue #1 - Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning
The first of a four-part series on resources for the school community
About this Newsletter
To help the school community transition during this stressful time, we have created a school mental health resources newsletter which will be sent over the next four weeks. The newsletter will feature a weekly topic (identified by Connecticut Project AWARE school districts) and associated free resources for schools, caregivers, and students to help maintain social emotional competencies and engage in digital citizenship.
 
This week’s topic is  Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)  and includes SEL activities and handouts that educators may integrate into academic curriculum and caregivers can use within the home. Upcoming topics include: Caregiver Wellness, Digital Citizenship and Staff Wellness.

If you would like to opt out of receiving the four planned School Mental Health Newsletters, please email:  [email protected] . 
 
In addition to this newsletter, if you would like to join CHDI’s general email list for information about children’s health and behavioral health issues  sign up here .
Activities and Resources for Educators
Centervention: Free SEL Activities
This comprehensive resource includes a free searchable directory of social-emotional learning lessons, activities, and printables, that can integrate into the curriculum. Activities are easily filtered by the specific SEL skill you want to teach:

-        Communication
-        Cooperation
-        Emotion regulation
-        Empathy
-        Impulse control
-        Social initiation

*Key feature of this resource: materials can be filtered by grade level (Elementary and Middle School only).
Greater Good in Education: Free Mental Health Resources
This useful resource includes various topics related to prosocial behaviors (e.g. mindfulness, kindness, active listening) and SEL for students. Activities are easily filtered by grade level (Pre-K – College), but also include activities that adults can participate in. 

*Key feature of this resource: you can filter activities by their duration, making it easier to integrate into lesson planning.
Activities and Resources for Caregivers
Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health
Since 2017, Gizmo, Connecticut’s mascot therapy dog has been helping children learn effective mental health strategies. Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills, children and their families can learn how to identify negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and utilize strategies to help overcome them. 

*Key feature of this resource: an interactive activity for young children, which includes adorable pictures of dogs.
F amily Tips and Resources
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Helping Homebound Children
This handout for families with homebound children includes simple, easy-to-read tips on how to effectively communicate, incorporate meaningful activities into daily life, and connect with supportive resources.

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Taking Care of Your Family
This resource includes behavioral strategies that families can use during infectious diseases (e.g., COVID) to maintain safety, stay informed and involve all members of the family.

*Key features of these resources: short handouts that are also trauma-informed. 


To keep up with the latest information and resources related to families, educators and providers, check out these links from CHDI and our Project AWARE partners:

CHDI website:  COVID CHDI Portal

 CT State Department of Education website:  COVID SDE Portal

DCF website:  COVID DCF Portal
 
Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter, Caregiver Support. This newsletter will include helpful tips caregivers can utilize to maintain their own self-care.
For more info about Project AWARE or this newsletter contact:
Child Health and Development Institute
860.679.1519 | [email protected]

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