Inner Cheerleader is a free resource for all elementary schools in Kentucky to help build resilience in an ongoing pandemic climate.
“Half of all social and emotional well-being conditions present themselves by the time a child reaches 14 but most cases remain undetected and untreated,” a news release said. “Research by RTT Method within UK schools found anxiety often went hand-in-hand with a lack of confidence resulting in a crippling effect on children’s lives. The combination prevented them from enjoying school, impacting their learning and social skills.”
A free new mental wellbeing resource called “I Can’t to I Can” aims to provide elementary school children throughout Kentucky with the tools they need to overcome anxiety, build confidence and take control of their emotions. It was created by the RTT School in response to the anxiety Covid has created and features a specific set of mind hacks that can provide immediate help and the skills that can help a child throughout life.
“I Can’t to I Can” is a week long program to instill positive new approaches in children ages seven to ten. Available online, the free resource is based on the RTT concept of installing the inner cheerleader. Everyone is born with an inner cheerleader – without that driving force babies would never persist to learn and instead give up each time they failed. However, that positivity soon changes with children as young as five starting to doubt themselves and listening to their inner critic instead of their cheerleader. The skills taught in “I Can’t to I Can” aim to change that.
“We used the program for a week and found it very successful,” Special Programs Coordinator at Greater Albany Public Schools in Oregon Tina Gearhart said. “All of the students who took part have goals in the area of behavior and social/emotional regulation. Many of them struggle with mental illness and trauma. Our students really connected with the activities and will likely start each month with a refresher lesson from the 5 Day Challenge.”
Gearhart piloted the challenge last year across different classes.
Schools can sign up for the “I Can’t to I Can” 5-Day Challenge by completing the sign-up form at: https://rtt.com/5-day-challenge-us/
