american council for school social work 2014 workshop
TRANSCRIPT
American Council for School Social Work2014 Workshop
Organizational Background
• Luster Learning Institute– Chicago-based not-for-profit org., 2007– Calm Classroom school-wide program, 2008
• 150 Chicago area schools– Preschool-12th Grade– 85,000 students and their families
Two Wolves
Mission
• To educate and inspire children, their families, and school communities, by teaching respect, kindness, peacefulness, and responsibility.
• We accomplish this through our school-wide Calm Classroom program which cultivates:– Self awareness
– Mental focus
– Inner / emotional calm
Today’s Goal
• Provide you with an understanding of the Calm Classroom curriculum and structure
• Prepare you to introduce and teach the techniques within the program
• Provide you with the experience of personally practicing the techniques within the program/feeling the benefits
Calm Classroom Introduction
Calm Classroom Materials
• Short and scripted techniques:– Breathing– Stretching– Focusing – Relaxation
• Materials– Manual & CD– Focusing Chime
Calm Classroom Defined
• Calm Classroom is a research-based, social emotional learning program:– School-wide structure– Life skills for students to use in and beyond school
• Develops the habit within students, of using the techniques on their own when needed
• Encourages students to focus internally to create positive external behaviors (thoughts, words and actions)
Measureable External Outcomes
• Improved academics– Standardized testing– GPA’s
• Decreased aggression– Suspensions– Code of Conduct Violations– Bullying – Self Harm
Measureable Internal Outcomes
• Improved executive function– Emotional resilience classroom– Decision-making
• Decreased stress & anxiety – Improved quality of life/well-being/mental health– Improved interpersonal skills
Where Calm Classroom Fits
• Alignment to Framework for Teaching: Classroom Environment
• Physical Education – Health Instruction in the Classroom
• Social Emotional Learning Program– Alignment with other SEL initiatives
Behavioral SystemsRTI and PBIS Integrations
• Tier 1 Intervention– Universal classroom intervention
• Tier 2 Intervention– Small group (ex. Peace Circles)
• Tier 3 Intervention– One-on-one work with students
• Teacher• Disciplinarian• Counselor• Social Worker
Practice Body Scan
Share Out
• How did the Body Scan technique effect you?– Physically (body sensations)– Mentally (thoughts)– Emotionally (feelings)
Why Practice Calm Classroom??
1. Relaxation ResponsePhysical and emotional control
of stress/anxiety
2. Brain-Based FunctionalityMemory, resilience, analytical skills
Research
Overall Violations Assault and Battery
(2008 vs. 2009)46% Decline
66% Decline
4th Grade Suspensions
93% Decline
2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009
Owens (Gompers) SchoolEvidence
Behavioral Change
Program Implementation/Structure
Required RecommendedDuring Scheduled Times
•2-3x/day (every student gets at least two CC exposures per day)
• Student Ambassadors• Student Leaders
During one-on-one meetings• Discipline, resource, counseling or social work
To begin grade level/staff/departmental meetings
Any authentic moment
•Upon a student’s request
•Before/after testing
•During parent meetings
Student Leader
How to Teach
• Slow• Pause and breathe• Tone• Volume• Pay attention
Teach Feeling the Breath (handout)
Practice Bell Focus
Practice Music Scribble
Practice Seated Mountain
Order for Implementation
Student Expectations
• Respectful & Active Participation– Do not disturb others
• Be quiet• Be still
– Stay awake and alert– Close your eyes or focus on one point (on desk)
• Do not look around the room
• Passive participation is OKAY
Student Reactions
• Common Initial Reactions:– Closing eyes– Slouching/falling asleep– Laughing or disturbing others by moving/making
noise– Refusing to participate
Create a Statement….
• About what Calm Classroom is and how it could benefit your students– Use terms your students can understand and
related to
How to Introduce
• Use statement• Show video (if appropriate)
– Go to: www.calmclassroom.com• Discuss: How is CC relevant to students?
– Self-regulation, stress and anxiety– Physical, emotional and mental “break”
• Set clear expectations• Teach Body Scan/Feeling the Breath
– Request student feedback
What’s Next?
• Introduce CC• Begin to incorporate CC into meetings with
students (one-on-one or small group)• Connect CC to real life, regularly• Pay attention to student benefits• Reach out for extra support: