Utilizing ‘Elf of the Shelf’ to support child development in positive ways
Our fifth ELF SKILLZ Lesson is all about Self-Control.
It means to have power over your mind, body & heart!
To help develop self-control, our Elf SKILLZ challenges are 1- Control Your Mood & Temper, 2 – Have Sportsmanship, and 3 – Following Directions.
CHALLENGE 1 – Control Your Mood & Temper
Set up idea: Elf waiting in a line of toys, stuffed animals, etc.
” Do you know what self-control means? It means to have power over your mind, body and heart!
When you have self-control, then you can control emotions which includes your mood and temper. Do you have self-control if…
- You get angry when you don’t get your way?
- You patiently wait when you want something?
- You start crying because you don’t want to go to dinner?
- You follow along and have fun with plans?
Today I challenge you to have self-control with your emotions and temper. Try to be patient and follow directions, especially when it’s something you don’t want to do like brush your teeth and wait for a snack.”
Follow this link for a print out of challenge 1: Self-Control – Challenge 1
CHALLENGE 2 – Have Sportsmanship
Set up idea: Playing a game with other toys – use a mini ball or ball of tin foil for a basket- or baseball, or have them playing a board game.
“When you have self-control, then you can control behavior, and this is important when you play games. Sportsmanship is all about controlling your behavior while you play as well as how you behave when you win and lose. Do you have sportsmanship if…
- You cheat while you play?
- You say ‘great job’ or ‘congratulations’ when someone else wins?
- You start crying if you lose?
- You brag when you win?
Today I challenge you to have sportsmanship while playing a game. Don’t cheat while you play, and if you lose be sure not to cry.”
Follow this link for a print out of challenge 2: Self-Control – Challenge 2
CHALLENGE 3 – Following Directions
Set up idea: Elf holding directions to build or put together something upside-down.
“When you have self-control, then you can control your actions by following directions. Following directions can be hard, especially when you want to do something else. But what you have control of your actions, you make better choices by following the rules. Let’s try a game to see if you know how to follow directions! Are you following directions if…
- You are a first-time listener when your parents tell you to do something?
- You intend to follow directions but get distracted on your iPad?
- You can follow directions without being reminded such as getting dressed on your own orgettingready for bed on your own?
- You always forget what you have to do to get ready for bed?
Today I challenge you to follow directions. Try and be a first-time listener, or better yet, follow directions without even being told or reminded!”
Follow this link for a print out of challenge 3: Self-Control – Challenge 3
Putting the SKILLZ to work
For more information about how this can work in your home, see the Elf SKILLZ Introduction blog!
