How to Deal with Anger

It was one of those days.  The type where I am so glad it is finally over and so thankful that we made it through.  This year I have a few students whose personalities clash- a few pairs that it seems will never get along.  It doesn't help that we are at a boarding school and so the children spend all day and evening together.  I have talked with each student, but after today I'm ready to break out a whole class in depth lesson on dealing with clashing personalities and anger.  In fact, I can probably get through the year with the fighting of personalities, if only the aggressive anger would stop...

I'll be honest, I was almost in tears by the end of the day.  Today it seemed like every child with anger management problems was in distress and lashing out.  Neither kind words nor stern words would do the trick.  For the emotional health of these children and the safety of the children around them, it is time for a more positive, preemptive approach.  (Ok, so I am a little late handling this situation.  I mean preemptive in the sense of preempting future negative displays of anger.)  It is time for an anger management plan.  While my lesson is still in development, I'd like to share this little song I came up with tonight. 

 

 

I am thinking of having each kid write about what will work for them when they are angry and that will be their plan.  Each kid can have customized lyrics.  "If you're angry and you know it (do whatever you have planned to handle your anger)"  Now I just need a good picture book to launch the lesson.  Any ideas?

 

I am also thinking of writing other lyrics to the same tune for other emotions (sad, nervous, etc.).  Please let me know if you would be interested in me publishing those.