Winter Wellness

Activity Books

DBT-Informed, Screen-Free Support for Elementary Students

Winter break can be a joyful time and it can also bring emotional challenges for students.

Changes in routine, less daylight, increased screen time, and time away from school supports can make feelings feel bigger for many children. For some students, these seasonal shifts are associated with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Students don’t need to be “naughty” or “nice” during the holidays.
They need understanding, language for their emotions, and skills that help.

❄️ Winter Wellness Activity Book (3-5)

  • age-appropriate explanation of SAD

  • reflective and creative activities

  • coping choices and communication tools

  • gratitude without toxic positivity

❄️ Winter Wellness Activity Book (K–2)

  • simple language and visuals

  • body-based awareness and calming strategies

  • routines, comfort, and emotional safety

  • gentle introduction to seasonal changes

Why DBT-Informed Matters

DBT-informed social-emotional learning focuses on:

  • understanding behavior as communication

  • teaching skills rather than labeling behavior

  • supporting students through change and stress

  • helping students build skills that transfer beyond school

Who These Are For

  • elementary educators

  • school counselors & psychologists

  • administrators

  • SEL teams

  • families looking for meaningful, screen-free activities

What Are the Winter Wellness Activity Books?

The Winter Wellness Activity Books are DBT-informed, developmentally aligned resources created to support students during winter break.

Each workbook helps students:

  • understand why emotions can feel stronger in winter

  • notice and name feelings without judgment

  • practice coping strategies that work at home

  • explore gratitude in a realistic, healthy way

  • remember that mixed emotions are normal

Ready to Go Deeper?

The Winter Wellness Activity Books give students a helpful starting point. Lasting change happens when DBT skills are taught intentionally across the school year.

DBT in Schools trainings support educators, counselors, and school teams in building a shared, skill-based approach to social-emotional learning. Through structured, evidence-informed training, schools learn how to teach DBT skills proactively, respond to behavior with understanding, and support students through transitions, stress, and emotional challenges.

Explore DBT in Schools Training Opportunities by clicking the training images below.