This week I wanted to share a resource I found a few years back. Parts of it has been shared in the past, but it would benefit us all to review some of the information.
The link I have posted below is directed toward working with students with RAD, Reactive Attachment Disorder. That being said, it has helpful information for working with all students. It is also important to know that studies are finding that at least 5 students per class are dealing with a form of an attachment disorder. We may not know which 5. Your class may have more than 5.
One thing that has long stood out to me in this information is this quote : "Remember that these educational strategies should ALWAYS be applied with empathy and NEVER anger. The objective is to return the units of responsibility back to the student, not to punish the student."
"Return the units of responsibility back to the student"
Are you taking responsibility for your students actions or have you given responsibility back to the students?
Mindfulness can help you center your feelings and frustrations and help you process situations better. Reflect on our last blog and Navy Seal breathing. Before making a choice take deep breaths. Before dealing with a situation with a student, take a deep breath.
Other great information this resource shares is utilizing one-liners with students. Be direct. Don't engage in the negative. Praise the positive.
Bummer choice.
I respect you too much to argue with you.
How sad.
I'll be glad to listen when your voice is as soft as mine.
When we use mindful ways to set boundaries with students we allow space for social emotional growth. As we limit the negative communicate and eliminate the power struggle we allow positive praise to grow.
Take a minute to think about your class. You may know the stories of some students, but there are students whos stories you may never know. When thinking about our students and their home history it is important to understand you may be facing a student whos brain has been shaped by trauma. The video below is a five minute chance to help you think about how your students may be facing each day.
Think about how to clearly set limits, boundaries, and rules that provide safety and structure. It can be overwhelming to consider the potential for trauma in your classroom. Trauma often leads to attachment disorders and much more.
More and more studies are showing that mindfulness, social emotional learning, and the science of well-being all help change the brain for the positive.
Your students who have brains built by trauma do not have to stay living in survival mode. You can be their guide to a healthier way to interact with their world.
Practicing mindfulness daily will not take away from your teaching time, but give it back. The time you spend redirecting, refocusing, and reframing events in the classroom will reduce as your students learn self-regulation, social cues, and mindful self-reflection.
The brain is amazing. It is adaptable, changeable, and growable. You are amazing. You can change a students brain. You can help a students brain adapt. You can grow a students brain.
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