Three years after schools across the nation were shuttered due to COVID-19, educators are still grappling with the aftermath. Teaching kids the skills they missed during remote learning while managing a surge in post-pandemic misbehavior has become a formidable challenge. According to a recent national survey, over 70% of 1,000 educators reported that students are misbehaving more now than they did before the pandemic in 2019, highlighting the urgency of addressing children’s mental well-being.
This spike in outbursts, fidgeting, and nonstop chatter in classrooms coincides with a national mental health crisis, with 40% of parents expressing extreme concern about their children struggling with anxiety or depression. In this context, JOYELY has introduced a groundbreaking solution, not dissimilar to a beloved children’s program, that empowers kids to navigate their emotions effectively and positively. Enter the Adventure Bear Program, a delightful and transformative journey that aligns seamlessly with the Chair of Joy™ concept.
The Chair of Joy™ concept, developed by Sheryl Lynn, is grounded in mindfulness and visualization principles. It offers children a simple yet powerful strategy to cultivate positive emotional experiences, especially crucial in the challenging post-pandemic landscape. This innovative approach revolves around four key steps: Sit, Breathe, Think, and Feel. These steps guide children through finding joy and calm within themselves, making it particularly relevant for kids with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Mindfulness techniques have been proven to enhance mood stability, reduce negative thoughts, and improve attention and socialization skills in children with ASD.
The Adventure Bear Program is an extension of the Chair of Joy™ concept tailored specifically for kids, designed to make emotional intelligence fun and accessible. This program is not about building bears; rather, it’s about being in the flow of positive emotions. To illustrate the essence of the Adventure Bear Program, we’ve created a series of four images, each featuring a realistic white bear seated in a yellow chair, showcasing one of the four specific emotions:
In this image, the bear is calm and relaxed, seated comfortably, inviting children to find their happy place by sitting tall with feet flat on the ground, gently closing their eyes.
The bear, depicted sitting up straight with arms opened wide, embodies taking a deep breath, as nostrils open wide and the nameplate on the chair reads “Breathe”.
With a thoughtful expression and cheerful thoughts, this bear encourages children to think of something that makes them smile, visualizing it like a bright sun and filling themselves with warm, happy feelings.
The same white bear is shown giving itself a big hug, expressing a sense of comfort and self-love. The nameplate on the chair reads “Feel.”
Traditional time-out chairs and calm spaces have their pros and cons. While they serve as designated areas for children to regain composure, they can inadvertently reinforce blame and punishment, which may not be the most effective approach for building emotional resilience. Moreover, in some cases, children placed in these spaces may simply be sitting there without a productive outlet.
This is where the Adventure Bear Program distinguishes itself. Instead of focusing on punitive measures, it offers a proactive and mindful approach to emotional well-being. The program provides children with a series of engaging activities and steps to follow, transforming these spaces into productive and empowering environments.
The beauty of the Adventure Bear Program lies in its ability to disrupt frustrating behaviors within the classroom. By guiding children through the four steps of Sit, Breathe, Think, and Feel, the program equips them with essential emotional skills. It allows children to temporarily step into the “bear’s shoes,” encouraging empathy and understanding. This not only benefits the child but also positively impacts the classroom dynamics, as everyone has an opportunity to pause and reflect, fostering a more harmonious learning environment.
The science behind the Adventure Bear Program is compelling. Each step has been meticulously designed to align with psychological and neurological principles that promote emotional regulation and self-awareness. Sitting mindfully (Sit) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress. Deep breathing (Breathe) further calms the mind and body, enhancing self-regulation. Positive thinking (Think) has been shown to improve mood and resilience. Lastly, self-soothing (Feel) reinforces self-love and emotional well-being.
By incorporating these scientifically-backed steps into the Adventure Bear Program, educators and parents are providing children with valuable tools for navigating their emotions and building resilience. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for a future generation that is emotionally intelligent and equipped to thrive in a complex world.
Incorporating the Adventure Bear Program into elementary schools can have profound implications for the overall educational experience, especially in the current post-pandemic landscape. These programs equip children with essential tools to manage their emotions, build resilience, and enhance their overall well-being. By promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness, schools not only prepare students for academic success but also empower them to navigate the complexities of the world around them.
Real-life examples and testimonies demonstrate the transformative impact of the Chair of Joy™ and the Adventure Bear Program on children’s emotional and mental health. These programs provide children with practical techniques to manage their emotions, promote kindness, and improve their overall well-being, contributing to a happier and more harmonious school environment.
The Chair of Joy™ and the Adventure Bear Program are invaluable tools for educators and parents alike in fostering a nurturing and emotionally intelligent environment for children. These programs empower kids to navigate their emotions positively, even in the face of post-pandemic challenges. By investing in the emotional well-being of our children, we are not only shaping their academic success but also building a foundation for a happier, more emotionally resilient future.
For more detailed information about the Chair of Joy™ initiative and the Adventure Bear Program, visit JOYELY.com and discover how these innovative approaches are transforming children’s lives.
This program nurtures emotional well-being for all ages, addressing emotions from sadness to frustration, fatigue to anger, and the need for a break. It’s inclusive, even for teachers and educators. The ability to embrace emotions anytime, anywhere transcends traditional settings. Families and individuals of all ages have adopted the “Chair of Joy” to realize that calm and balance are already accessible. A COJ moment can occur on the playground, in the backyard, in the car, at the dentist’s office, and beyond.
It’s time to immerse ourselves completely in the conversation of joy, to prioritize it above most things.. There’s no time to wait; it’s a matter of life and death.
Your Answer Matters!
We invite you to share your valuable experience. Your feedback not only guides future guests but also illuminates our path towards excellence. Please take a moment to leave a review and help shape our journey forward.
At JOYELY, we’re dedicated to enriching lives through emotional wellness, extending our reach far beyond corporate boundaries to embrace all ages. Our tailored programs promote belonging, self-worth, and connections:
JOYELY is your path to emotional empowerment. Join us to embrace emotions effortlessly and return to life’s important aspects with grace.
Welcome to JOYELY, where JOYELY Ever After is not just a dream, it’s our lifestyle.
© 2024 JOYELY. All Rights Reserved.
