I recently discovered videos by a woman named Deborah Tillman. She is a parenting expert who is often referred to as "America's Super Nanny." She has earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education. 

As I explored her videos I not only gathered great parenting tips but I found that her advice translates to the school setting as well. Below is one of her videos that I really enjoyed and found helpful for parenting and school. Also, isn't her dog so cute?!

Here is a link to another of her videos.

And other helpful video!

First, listening to her voice and seeing her smiling face has me calm and engaged. This is a great example of how we could present ourselves to our students and interact with them during times of need or crisis.

This is a good time of year to revisit the structures we have put into place with our students. We can start to evaluate what is and is not working. Work on a plan to make changes. Then start to implement those changes. As we approach spring break we can set up our classrooms for a successful start to testing season and a calm end to the year.

We have started our yearly mindfulness challenge to help us refocus on the calm and come together as a school to promote well-being. If you haven't started mindfulness yet, do it! Make it a non-negotiable for yourself and your students. Set up you calm and your students' calm with mindfulness. In the first video I shared from Deborah Tillman she shared that it is important to let children know we are safe people/a safe place. Mindfulness helps build that safety and trust.