Dear LifeSkills Training community,

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we want to remind you that health and wellness are always our number one priority. We are keeping a close eye on updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All are encouraged to follow the preventive measures recommended by the CDC.

Teachers Delivering LST Lessons

UPDATE (9/14/20 11am ET): NEW! Digital Solutions for Remote Learning – Built on an award winning, evidence-based prevention approach proven to reduce substance use, aggression and violence, our suite of digital products includes e-learning programs, an online educational game, and ancillary tools designed to provide schools, teachers, and parents with high quality content that can be used in school, at home, or in hybrid learning environments. These “cool tools” provide students with essential social and emotional skills for coping with the current pandemic, fostering positive youth development, and promoting mental health. Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com/digital for details.  Click here for more details on remote implementation.

We are all in this together!  Please avoid creating your own solutions using LST materials.  We have solutions that are both responsive to your needs and in the best interest of your students.  

Resources Available

Additionally we offer online training, companion websites with additional activities, and we’re available to answer any questions on your current or future implementation of LST.

• Botvin LST Remote Teacher Support Page
• Online Training Workshops Available
• LST Middle School program activities (companion website)
• LST High School program activities (companion website)

Helping LST students apply their skills

Now more than ever, it is time to apply LifeSkills Training (LST) in our daily lives. Fear and anxiety spread as quickly as the virus, and LST gives us the tools to stay calm through this uncertain time. As we teach our LST students, anxiety is a normal emotion that can also be unpleasant because it stresses the body. Here are a couple of LST techniques to help with managing anxiety:

• Deep Breathing – breathe in deeply into your abdomen for a count of 4, hold it for a count of 4, and breathe out for a count of 4 (repeat 4 – 5 times).

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation – sit quietly in a comfortable position with your back straight, close your eyes, slowly relax all your muscles beginning with your toes all the way up to your head, imagine yourself in a peaceful place and then bring yourself back to the present moment.

Additional resources: 

● EdWeek: Coronavirus and Schools 

● NEA Today: Schools and Coronavirus: What You Should Know 

● Association of California School Administrators: Coronavirus Resources for Schools 

Talking to children at home about coronavirus: 

● National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 

● New York Times: How to Talk to Kids about Coronavirus 

Supporting staff: 

● SAMHSA: Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak