Preparing for Reopening with the Whole Child in Mind
Maslow before Bloom
Thinking About a New School Year
There is a sense of relief getting back to school and there are going to be some semi-shocks when we realize our new normal. There are strengths in getting back to school: expertise, structure, normalcy, and community. There is a desire from students, parents, and educators to get back to school. There are a range of issues in getting back to school: new normal, anxiety, and trauma. This pertains to the adults as well as the children.
We must step back and stand together. Look at the 10,000 foot view. It's easy to get sucked into details that are disconnected from our ultimate goal. We must support one another in creating and sustaining a positive mindset. Our students can achieve success regardless of what they're experiencing in and out of school.
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6 Ways to Reach your Students
1. Identify what need a behavior is expressing
2. See the worth in each student and build from his or her strengths
3. Remember, kids can't learn if they don't feel safe.
4. Work from a team perspective.
5. Consider whether a basic need isn't being met.
6. Give students grace.
Remember what got you into education(the big picture), every student deserves to learn (you're the key to that opportunity), set the tone. Focus on what we can control and be content with that. There are some things we can not control.
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Teaching and our New Normal
There will not be a perfect solution. We need to force our systems and physical environments to change more than we force our students to change.
There are still many questions.reducing physical contact, reducing congregate meal, dressing issues related to PE and recess. Invite 15 kids into a classroom with two adults. Start with preschools and elementary schools. Randomly test children and teachers each week. Hybrid model of school/home. Some students are on a 70/30 school/home situation, whereas other students may be on a 50/50 situation.
Learning and Trauma Informed Practice
Support Regulation: when stressed, people have a harder time managing emotions and staying regulated. Build in time for regulation practices like breathing, grounding exercises, and movement. Model the calm behavior you want staff to mirror\.
Prioritize Relationships: Social support and connection can actually buffer a stress response. During times of stress, it's important to fins ways to connect and support each other.
Explain the Why: Behind decisions. Understanding the why sometimes (like a policy or practice) is happening can give people a sense of control and decrease a stress response.
Trust and Openness: Help staff know what to expect to the extent possible. In uncertain times, having any amount of certainty or predictability is helpful. We aren't suggesting you provide answers you don't have; however, sharing information when it's available will decrease stress.
Re-frame Behaviors: If people react allow them to react. Give them a little more patience.
Actions for Schools to Build Up Protective Factors
Check ins: start of each day and also during the day.
Set a Pattern: provide schedules/structure to build sense of stability and security.
Relationships: keep the great relationship building work started remotely going.
Explain and discuss whys: in general and across the board.
Self Regulation: teaching students to recognize their own feelings.
Provide off ramps: alone time; mindfulness.
Exercise: get moving.
Get Outside: fresh air, space.
Go to the Well: ask and get support from your peers. Link people across the school community.