Circle of Control Slides

Circle of Control

Mastering the Art of Letting Go

Grades 6-8 SEL Mastery

Ever feel like this?

Overwhelmed

Anxious

Frustrated

A lot of our stress comes from worrying about things we can't change.

Focus Your Energy

We only have a certain amount of "brain power" each day.

Where are you spending yours?

MY
CONTROL

OTHERS

WEATHER

THE PAST

Video: Circle of Control

Pay attention to the examples of things inside and outside the circle.

Click the link provided by your teacher to watch!

Can vs. Cannot

CANNOT

• The Weather
• How others treat me
• Past mistakes
• Global events

CAN

• My kindness
• My attitude
• My effort
• How I speak

STRESS JENGA!

How to Play

1

Pull a block carefully.

2

Read the Stressor or Coping Strategy.

3

Discuss how it fits into your Circle of Control.

Time to Create!

DRAW

A large circle in the center.

OUTSIDE

Write things you CANNOT control.

INSIDE

Write things you CAN control.

Make it yours! Use markers to decorate.

Remember...

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

Focus on the Inside

Coping Toolkit Reference

The Coping Toolkit

Practical ways to handle the things outside your circle.

Move Your Body

• Take a 10-minute walk
• Do some gentle stretching
• Squeeze a stress ball
• Drink a glass of cold water
• Tense and release your muscles

Reset Your Mind

• Use "Box Breathing" (4-4-4-4)
• Count backwards from 100
• Visualize a happy/calm place
• Name 5 things you can see
• Listen to your favorite song

Reach Out

• Talk to a trusted friend
• Write a letter or journal
• Play with a pet
• Ask for a hug
• Help someone else with a task

Shift Perspective

• Will this matter in a year?
• Focus on "I can" statements
• List 3 things you are grateful for
• Break a big task into small steps
• Remind yourself: "It's okay to let go."

"When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is."

Jenga Label Template

Jenga Label Template

Print, cut, and tape these labels onto your Jenga blocks.

Teacher Prep Resource

How to Prepare

1. Print this page (cardstock works best).
2. Cut out the individual labels.
3. Use clear tape to attach one label to the side of each Jenga block.
4. Mix "Stressors" and "Coping Strategies" throughout the tower.

Stressors (Things outside our control)

The Weather

Other's Opinions

Past Mistakes

Global News

Wi-Fi Going Out

Traffic/Bus Late

Test Difficulty

Mean Comments

Family Stress

Physical Injury

Lost Items

Canceled Plans

Coping Strategies (Things inside our control)

Deep Breathing

Positive Self-Talk

Take a Walk

Ask for Help

Journaling

Listen to Music

Count to 10

Focus on Effort

Draw or Color

Drink Water

Stretching

Help a Friend

Custom Labels

Labels sized approximately 2.5" x 0.75" to fit standard wooden blocks.