Show notes
Anticipating a break
- Anticipation impacts regulation (positively and negatively)
- Teach students what it means to be in a regulated, compromised, or dysregulated learning state
- Model and create atmospheres where we get to have feelings and learn how to express them in a way that doesn’t disrupt learning
- Every behavior is an expression of a need
- Be mindful of what anticipating the holidays means for us (the adults)
Sending students off well
- Create consistency and predictability while students are away; provide students with journals, scavenger hunts, picture books, etc.
- Give them something to look forward to during the break and set them up for an exciting return: “Fun to Come!”
- Include their voices: what do you want to learn about when you get back?
What about the adult?
- Work towards creating a manageable, realistic day every day so we don’t have to rely on breaks to recharge
- Redefine time; how do we want to use the time we have (there will never be enough time!)
- “If I can name it, I can tame it” – Dr. Dan Siegel
- How is my mindset impacting me, who can help me reframe my mindset?
What does reentry look like?
- What is my anticipation heading back? Anticipating Awesome? Feeling dread?
- Our mindsets influence outcome
- Manage the return and share out so kids don’t feel pressured to share or disclose what happened over a break
Needs that drive behavior
- Physical: sleep, healthy food, limited screen time, etc.
- Emotional: practicing getting into and staying in my upstairs brain
- Relational: Needing and thriving from human connection
- Manage the return and share out so kids don’t feel pressured to share or disclose what happened over a break. For some, breaks are challenging.
Resources
Stay connected with Kristin! https://www.fosteringresilientlearners.org/
Reflection Questions
- How do you keep human and kindness at the forefront?
- What is one strategy you’d like to try?
- How will you anticipate awesome as you and your students return from a break?
Learn more about the podcast and browse resources, programs, and upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education