'The Magical Science of Feelings' at Lenox Library

Print Story | Email Story
LENOX, Mass. On Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Lenox Library will host a book discussion and craft with social worker and brain-expert Jen Daily, author of the new book, "The Magical Science of Feelings Train Your Amazing Brain to Quiet Anger, Soothe Sadness, Calm Worry, and Share Joy."
 
"In The Magical Science of Feelings," clinical social worker Jen Daily helps kids understand the science behind feelings, taking them on a tour of the brain to see where anger, anxiety, sadness, and joy start, and offering activities for calming emotions. 
 
According to a press release: 
 
With endearing illustrations, the parts of the brain come alive in Daily's book as friendly characters who explain how emotions like happy, sad, mad, worried, and overwhelmed are created in the body. Along with clear explanations about the origins of feelings, Daily provides creative coping skills and activities (playfully called emotion potions) that help build a child's ability to reflect, cope, calm anxious thoughts, and welcome greater joy. From dancing to storytelling and meditation, the coping skills are accessible and effective for a wide range of social-emotional needs and learning styles. Children will craft their own joy jar at the Sept. 14 Lenox event. 
 
Jen Daily is a licensed clinical social worker currently serving as Director of Counseling at Deerfield Academy. In her private practice, she provided psychotherapy and coaching to children, adolescents, and their grown-ups focusing on the science of emotions and the belief that empowering children with the knowledge of their bodies leads to more effective interventions and a happier child. Daily has authored numerous group therapy curricula, designed professional development trainings for educators, and is a sought-after speaker who teaches teachers about the science of emotions and effective school-based interventions. She lives in western Massachusetts. 
 
Weather permitting, this event will take place in Roche Reading Park, located next to the Library at 18 Main Street, Lenox. Copies of Daily's book will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of The Bookstore.

Tags: lenox library,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Morris Elementary's Odyssey of the Mind Team Earns Spot at World Finals

LENOX, Mass. — Superintendent Dr. William Collins and Principal Brenda Kelley shared that Morris Elementary School's Odyssey of the Mind team recently competed in regional competition, securing first place in their division and a spot in the World Finals.

Grade 5 students at Morris Elementary School are using their minds to solve complex, open-ended problems through Odyssey of the Mind.

Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program that challenges students to solve open-ended problems imaginatively and theatrically while working as a team. 

Students who participate in Odyssey of the Mind begin preparing for the workforce early, developing their skills in engineering, innovation and creative problem-solving. 

The team is comprised of Grade 5 students Les Freeman, Johnson Green, Anna Kennedy, Raquel Levin, Zachary Streeter, Levi Stern and Ethan Winger and is coached by Josh Levin, Kim Winger and Seth Lipkin.

They traveled to Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, on Saturday, April 5, for the regional competition, where they competed against 99 teams.

The Morris team solved the problem "AstronOMical Odyssey," in which teams were tasked to create a humorous performance set in a team-created "historical" civilization that explains constellations and presents original stories. The performance also included a humorous astronomer character with a "stellar" costume, a lighting effect and a shooting star.

The team's performance can be viewed here.

"These students have put in countless hours designing their own solution, building their own props, and bringing their ideas to life," said Coach Josh Levin. "What’s amazing is that the work these kids are doing will set them up to be successful at problem-solving using both engineering and creative skills. This is what it’s all about! They did absolutely everything themselves. That’s the really amazing thing. No parent help, just encouragement."

Their win at the regional competition earned them an invite to attend the World Finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, from May 20-24, where they will compete against more than 800 teams from around the world. 

The PTO is seeking donations to help send the small but mighty team of students to the World Finals. To contribute to the PTO's fundraising efforts, contact Ashley Turczak at ashley.turczak@gmail.com.

"Our Odyssey of the Mind team is a perfect example of the creativity and persistence that our student body possesses," said Principal Kelley. "These students worked incredibly hard to come out on top at the regional competition, and we hope to see them move on to display their innovative talents at the World Finals. Congratulations, and good luck!"

View Full Story

More Lenox Stories