We’re gushing with excitement as we celebrate another incredible year of partnership with our friends at Soul Shoppe — the soulful superheroes bringing mindfulness, self-regulation, and heart-centered communication to schools around the world through social emotional learning (SEL)!
Every fall, Soul Shoppe helps kids kick off the school year with one of our favorite teachings — the Emotional Balloon 🎈
It’s this invisible balloon we all carry inside us, where we store those big feelings like sadness, anger, hurt, and frustration. And when that balloon gets too full? Well… we’ve all seen what happens when it bursts!
The beautiful thing is — we get to choose how to release what’s inside. We can empty our Balloon with creativity, movement, connection, and calm… or we can leak our Balloon by blowing up at the people we love.
At Majik Kids, we believe in making the emptying part fun, playful, and filled with imagination!
Here are a few highlights from our Soul Shoppe resources that help grown-ups and kids alike learn new ways to stay centered, connected, and kind (even when those Balloons get a little full):
In the Staff Lounge, check out our Self-Regulation Tips for Recess activity, which gives yard duty staff the tools they need to help students calm down when their Balloons are full of difficult feelings on the playground. Practicing emptying Balloons on the playground leads to fewer conflicts and a safer experience for everyone while they play.
In the Family Room, take a look at the Bedtime Balloon Time reflection you can do with children in your life. Ending the day with a moment of pause and a change to discuss what is in your child’s Balloon is a great way to connect. It lets them feel safe, cared for and helps them rest peacefully before they take on a new day.
On the Student Playground, try out Are You Frustrated? Often students don’t know how to empty their Balloons, especially when they’re in the middle of class or playing a game on the playground. Practicing emptying when they are frustrated builds self-regulation skills so they can remain calm and centered.
We’re endlessly inspired by this partnership and by all the teachers, parents, and kiddos learning to dance with their emotions instead of being swept away by them.
Thanks for helping us spread the majik — one mindful moment at a time.
With gratitude,
Bradley (and the whole Majik Kids crew)
