My weekly fun podcast that I listen to is called Office Ladies. On occasion they will do a "Revisit" to a previously reviewed episode. Today I want to barrow this idea and revisit a topic I have previously reviewed. I wanted to first share a link. I strongly encourage you to read the information. I feel, more than it has been before, this applies to our students. The topic is attachment disorder and trauma in students.
Our students have lives beyond the classroom that we may never want to imagine. In a previous job I entered home of families who needed support. Homes that were filthy, bug infested, lacked food, lacked beds, and held several families or generations of a family. Children did not have their own space, often were required to watch younger children, and had home safety plans that required them to practice hitting the floor if they heard gun shots.
Early home lives that lacked a parent, lacked connections, or lacked support may have lead to some concerns such as an attachment disorder or placed the children high in ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).
Now for our children lets add to their home lives, a pandemic, and all that has come with it.
Our students need clear expectations, rules, and structure. They also need us to be consistent and compassionate.
In the letter I attached, examples are given regarding conditional statements verses unconditional statements. We are also given one-liners to use to help avoid power struggles and give students options to take control and ownership of their actions.
We can give our students a sense of control with conditions and not engage in power struggles.
When we think about having a mindful day we need to think about how each moment matters. If we are in the present we are not holding the past against a student. If we are in the present we are not judging what they might do in the future. Mindfulness is the present moment, as is, without judgement.
Try some conditional statements and one-liners this week. A favorite of mine is "bummer." I also like to give the student a sense of control by giving two options; A: do what is asked and stay on track, B: continue with own choice and earn a consequence. Make it their choice and walk away. Don't engage in the power struggle. Keep the authority, mindfully. This will keep you calm and create your own mindful space.
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