Even on a good day, teaching online can induce head pounding, fog braining, energy-draining symptoms. This simple five-minute activity at the beginning of an online session has the power to energize students (and teachers), help everyone to be present and focused, and bring all into a belonging mindset. 

Self-regulation is about allowing the fear to have a place at our table. Courageously, we feel what we feel and go forward anyway. When our students have these experiences of being socially successful, they learn to be brave with their lives.

When we played this game, we noticed a clear change of energy in the group. As each person shared what brought them joy and as they heard that joy repeated by another, their face seemed to brighten. Our shoulders lifted and our voices became lighter.

Through our imagination we conjure up future scenarios (intentions/goals/desires), make meaning out of our current situation (drawing from prior knowledge), re-vision our past (review/analyze/adjust), and picture ourselves in other’s shoes (empathy).