Tips &amp; ideas https://www.morningsidecenter.org/ en Two Quick Techniques for Calming Down https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/two-quick-techniques-calming-down <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Two Quick Techniques for Calming Down</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><br> It can be helpful for us, and for&nbsp;our students, to learn simple practices we can use to calm ourselves when we are feeling tense or anxious.&nbsp;</p> <p>The activities described below, 5-Sense Memory and 2:1 Breathing, both activate&nbsp;the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and muscular&nbsp;tension, preparing the body for rest, sleep, or digestion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Consider doing these two activities together, in either order.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="boy meditating" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d843ebdc-9f28-4175-b8fe-8b6a7c503758" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beiner_Archive.00_18_46_07.Still056.png" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <h3><strong>5-Sense Memory</strong></h3> <p><br> This is a good technique for grounding yourself during moments of anxiety.</p> <p>Keep your eyes open and go through this process whenever needed, in whatever space you're in.</p> <p>Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor, your hands on your legs, your spine comfortably straight. Close your eyes if you can. Otherwise, focus on a spot in front of you.&nbsp;Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Repeat.&nbsp;</p> <p>Imagine one of your favorite places from any part of your life.&nbsp;As you remember it, start to walk toward&nbsp;it in your mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>As you walk into it, find...<br> &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>5 things that you can see&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>4 things you can touch<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>3 things you can hear<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>2 things you can smell<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>1 thing you can taste<br> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Acknowledge and take in all of the positive feelings this place holds for you. &nbsp;</p> <p>Know that it is forever with you and you can come back here anytime you want to.&nbsp;</p> <p>As you back away from this memory, take the gifts of this memory with you to help and sustain you today.<br> &nbsp;</p> <ul> </ul> <hr> <h3><br> <strong>2:1 Breathing</strong></h3> <p><br> 2:1 breathing is simply exhaling for twice as long as one inhales. &nbsp;For example if you inhale on a count of 3, you would exhale for a count of 6. &nbsp;If you inhale for 4, exhale for 8, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Sit&nbsp;in&nbsp;a comfortable position with your feet flat on the floor, spine comfortably straight. Hands can be in your lap&nbsp;or resting gently on your belly. You can close your eyes or not. If your eyes are open, try to focus on a point in front of you.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>To begin, take a a couple of deep gentle abdominal breaths. Don’t worry about what the count is at this point. The objective is to just calm the breath.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Now, take a deep gentle abdominal breath in for 3 seconds.&nbsp;Hold it for a count of 1. &nbsp;Then release it for a count of 6. &nbsp;Hold for a count of 1 and then repeat for at least 3 breaths. Do the counting in your mind and let the numbers flow softly and easily.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>To help extend the exhale, make sure to use your abdominal muscles to gently push out all of the air.&nbsp;Your shoulders should not be helping you breathe. They move as a consequence of being on top of your abdomen, not to help you draw in a breath.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>As you exhale, let the tension in your body leave with your breath. Let it drain down from your head, your shoulders, your hands, your legs, your feet.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>As you inhale, bring in calm, peaceful energy.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Variations</strong></p> <p>If this activity follows the 5-Sense Memory, breathe in the positive feelings from that memory.<br> <br> As you inhale, you can breathe in your intent for the rest of the day, and let it fill you. Each breath in of your intent will fill you further. &nbsp;Fill your arms, your legs, your hands, feet, neck, and face.<br> <br> When doing the activity with a group of people, model the technique, then tell participants that you'll be doing the activity for a certain range of breaths (perhaps 3-4) -&nbsp;and ask them to find their own rhythm.</p> <ul> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2021-07-06T12:11:46-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 12:11">July 6, 2021</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:11:46 +0000 Sara Carrero 1598 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org Sample Virtual Community Guidelines for School Staff https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/sample-virtual-community-guidelines-school-staff <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Sample Virtual Community Guidelines for School Staff</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The coronavirus outbreak is forcing many of us, including teachers, to meet online instead of face-to-face. Creating virtual community guidelines for these gatherings&nbsp;can help us feel more connected and supported.</p> <p>The sample guidelines below were developed during a recent online meeting of Morningside Center’s staff developers and other staff. We came together&nbsp;for a half-day online gathering using Zoom. After greeting each other, we worked together to establish some guidelines for how we wanted to relate to each other in this new virtual setting and in the midst of a widening global pandemic and “social distancing.”&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Virtual Community Guidelines</strong><br> &nbsp;</h3> <ul> <li>Reach out, stay in touch<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Patience for yourself and others as we navigate uncharted territory<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Authentic listening (care-filled deep listening, listening to the words beneath the words)<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Be okay with your current feelings<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Welcome the different ways in how each of us processes feelings and information<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Hold space for others with heart and empathy<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Have patience for dealing with technology<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Be okay with trying, making mistakes, and learning<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Care for ourselves and each other<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Keep an open mind to this new way of creating and being in community<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Stay present with each other via technology and support each other in learning this new way of being together<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Center gratitude as best you can<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Openness and enthusiasm in creating something new together<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Agree on some nonverbal signs of solidarity, validation and agreement<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Recognize the unique gifts we each bring</li> </ul> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Laura McClure</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2020-03-22T11:32:16-04:00" title="Sunday, March 22, 2020 - 11:32">March 22, 2020</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Sun, 22 Mar 2020 15:32:16 +0000 Laura McClure 1408 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org SEL Tip: Reducing Stress at Testing Time https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/sel-tip-reducing-stress-testing-time <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>SEL Tip: Reducing Stress at Testing Time</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>As May and June roll around, we educators are in the homestretch. Summer is just around the corner.&nbsp; And yet it’s also testing season, which doesn’t allow us to unwind, just yet.</p> <p>The pressure is on, and stress is everywhere. Not just the moderate amounts of stress that can push our students to be more focused, pay attention, and perform better, but also the overwhelming and debilitating stress provoked by high stakes testing in particular. And we know stress is contagious. What’s more, many educators have their own worries about test results and are already running on empty at this time of year. It’s an unhealthy mix.</p> <p>The following strategies may help both you and your students unwind and boost your batteries to make it through the end of the year intact.<br> &nbsp;</p> <h4>Create a calming environment</h4> <ul> <li>Let in light and air. Open the shades and flood your classroom with light. Consider cracking open those windows to let in some fresh air as well.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Get some greenery. Consider bringing fresh flowers or a plant into your classroom. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ciphr.com/advice/plants-in-the-office/">According to studies</a>, greenery can reduce fatigue, stress, anxiety, and promote well-being, performance and improve memory retention. In addition, caring for a plant can be a perfect project for a student who seems disconnected or detached. It can teach responsibility and gives students an added incentive to come to class.<br> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <h4>Take care of yourself</h4> <ul> <li>Go out and take a stroll: Being outdoors, especially in green areas, can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. And physical activity has been shown to produce endorphins, natural painkillers that can also improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve our focus, thinking, and memory.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li>Eat well: Faculty rooms at this time of year can be full of donuts, cookies, pizza and other unhealthy “comfort” foods left over from school events. These foods can make us feel lethargic. Snacking on fruits and vegetables can reenergize us instead.<br> &nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/sel-tip-teach-deep-breathing">Don’t forget to breathe</a>! Take a beat, take a few deep breaths, especially as you walk into a stressful space or situation. Deep breathing can counteract the body’s stress response. Regular breath breaks are a helpful response to the many stressors at school.&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <h4>Practice mindfulness</h4> <p>Consider practicing mindful awareness with your students throughout the year, so that you have a buffer when testing and other stressful times come around.&nbsp; Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment. Research shows that a regular mindful practice can trigger hormones that relieve stress and anxiety, while improving our mood, self-awareness, mental concentration, and emotional self-regulation. A few minutes of mindful breathing meditation (or practices such as yoga and tai chi), several times a week, can make a noticeable difference, especially during stressful times.<br> &nbsp;</p> <h4>Try positive affirmations</h4> <p>As we slow down, breathe deeply, relax, and become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can also learn to take charge of our thoughts in ways that can help us improve our performance. Research tell us that our thoughts are as real to the brain as what’s happening in our outer lives. This is one reason why positive affirmations can be so effective. Affirmations work best when you:</p> <ul> <li>use the present tense and the first person (as in, “I am calm now”)</li> <li>frame them in the positive (instead of “I’m not going to fail this time,”&nbsp; try “I’ve got this”)</li> <li>speak them as if they are fact and truth (no mights, shoulds, or coulds)</li> <li>repeat them confidently to yourself multiple times a day, especially before going to sleep or right before a test&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>You can reinforce positive affirmations with physical touch. Tap the back of your hand, gently caress your arm or apply pressure to your temples as you state your affirmation. &nbsp;Consider positive affirmations that have four syllables (e.g. “I can do this,”&nbsp; “I am ready,” “I am calm now,” etc.) so that you can squeeze your thumb and fingers together one syllable at a time, from your index finger, through your pinky, several times over.&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</p> <h4>Foster positive interactions</h4> <p>Finally, we can help reduce stress by engaging in positive interactions and encouraging them between students. Experts recommend a ratio of five positive interactions to counteract each negative interaction, because <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/24/your-money/why-people-remember-negative-events-more-than-positive-ones.html">negative emotions</a> tend to involve more thinking than positive emotions, and invite rumination. Making an intentional effort to connect with colleagues and students in positive ways can help us better handle this stressful time in the school year.</p> <p>And if this list of strategies for reducing stress is stressing you out, pick just one idea that you feel drawn to and commit to practicing it in the weeks ahead.&nbsp; See how it makes you feel.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><img alt="Reducing Stress Graphic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21560e76-a6d5-4494-9dd3-0824884a2cda" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Reducing%20Stress%20at%20Testing%20Time.png" width="3300" height="3720" loading="lazy"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Laura McClure</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2019-05-22T08:52:55-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2019 - 08:52">May 22, 2019</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Wed, 22 May 2019 12:52:55 +0000 Laura McClure 1326 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org Using Self Talk to Calm Down https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/using-self-talk-calm-down <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Using Self Talk to Calm Down</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'filter_caption' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/filter/templates/filter-caption.html.twig' --> <figure role="group" class="align-center"> <img alt="4Rs lesson in an elementary school classroom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a4e249c-2766-4118-9216-47a6ee57f15e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beiner_Archive.00_11_12_21.jpg" width="1792" height="1080" loading="lazy"> <figcaption><em>4Rs lesson in an elementary school classroom</em></figcaption> </figure> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/filter/templates/filter-caption.html.twig' --> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p>As educators we need to set the tone in our classrooms—we need to serve as the thermostat, not the thermometer.&nbsp;We know that if we ride the waves of emotion our students bring into our classroom, we’re likely to make the highs higher and the lows lower, creating an emotional rollercoaster ride for all.&nbsp;</p> <p>But being the thermostat isn’t easy, especially when we get triggered ourselves, whether by a group of rowdy students who refuse to settle down, by one particularly disrespectful student who knows exactly what buttons to push, or by a colleague we think is being unreasonable.</p> <p>It’s in situations like these that it is especially important to have a practice that can help us to maintain our calm.&nbsp; We want to be able to counteract the body’s natural response to <a href="https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-biology.html">fight, flee or freeze</a>, when the reptilian part of our brain believes our survival is at stake. There are a number of strategies we can use to reclaim control, regulate our emotions, and make fitting decisions in the moment.</p> <p>A good first step is <a href="https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/sel-tip-teach-deep-breathing">deep breathing</a>. Taking some deep abdominal breaths can help our brain to calm down and relax. As the supply of oxygen to the brain is increased, the <a href="https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/parasympathetic-nervous-system">parasympathetic nervous system</a> returns the body to a state of calm, by bringing our blood pressure and heart rate back down.&nbsp;</p> <p>A second, complementary strategy is <a href="https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/sel-tip-we-can-shape-our-self-talk">self-talk</a>, which enables us to soothe and calm the anxious parts of the brain.&nbsp; This requires us, first, to recognize that we have a voice inside our heads that can either calm us down, or add fuel to a situation, further escalating our emotions. Once we’re aware of this internal voice, we can direct it in some or all of the following ways:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>1. Generic self-talk. </strong>The fight, flight, or freeze stress response is triggered when the reptilian part of our brain (the limbic system) believes our survival is at stake. Affirming that we are safe and that we are capable of handling the situation can help counteract the stress response and reengage cortex. We might tell ourselves:</p> <ul> <li>“I am good.”</li> <li>“I am safe.”</li> <li>“I've got this.”</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Acknowledging our feelings.</strong> We know that acknowledging feelings helps soothe the agitated parts of the brain.&nbsp; Neuropsychologist&nbsp;Dan Siegel calls this “<a href="https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/holidays-handle-feelings-naming-tame-them">naming to tame it</a>.”&nbsp; Acknowledging our feelings can reengage the cortex in a particularly stressful moment and open up choices of how to respond after a situation in which we “flipped our lid.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Self-talk examples are:</p> <ul> <li>“Wow, I feel really anxious.”</li> <li>“I feel annoyed” or “I feel frustrated.”</li> <li>“I’m feeling [x-emotion] because [y-event] happened.”</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3. Reframing the narrative in our head.</strong> Instead of engaging in thoughts that add fuel to an already stressful situation, we want to pivot away from negative thoughts and instead reframe things in the positive.&nbsp; For instance, we might add fuel to a situation by thinking:</p> <ul> <li>“He’s such a jerk!"</li> <li>“They always do that!”</li> <li>“I can’t believe they did it again!”</li> </ul> <p>Instead, we might move to calming thoughts such as:</p> <ul> <li>“Maybe they&nbsp;didn’t mean it.”&nbsp;</li> <li>“This probably isn’t about me, they seem to be having a bad day."</li> <li>“They don’t appear to&nbsp;have the skills yet, to ________________ .”</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>By maintaining <em>our</em> calm in stressful, triggering situations, we educators can set a positive tone in the classroom, send a comforting message to our students, and maintain full access to the problem-solving part of our brain so that we can make appropriate choices in the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="Using Self Talk to Calm Down Graphic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8872384-bc9b-49e7-b303-49ad42d24458" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Using%20Self%20Talk%20to%20Calm%20Down2.png" width="3300" height="3120" loading="lazy"></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2019-01-03T09:55:07-05:00" title="Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 09:55">January 3, 2019</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:55:07 +0000 Sara Carrero 1269 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org For the Holidays: Handle Feelings by ‘Naming to Tame Them’   https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/holidays-handle-feelings-naming-tame-them <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span> For the Holidays: Handle Feelings by ‘Naming to Tame Them’  </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>December can be a month of heightened emotions and stress.&nbsp; This is as true for us as educators as it is for the young people in our care. Sometimes these feelings are joyous, cheerful, and upbeat—feelings the media promotes with images of happy families coming together for the holidays, sharing festive meals, gifts, and good times. There is excitement mixed in for some of our students, and that can sometimes bubble over.</p> <p>But we all know that the holidays can also bring up feelings of anxiety, grief, and loneliness.&nbsp; Many families are worried about finances, about keeping a roof over their head and food on the table, let alone partaking in the holiday shopping frenzy.&nbsp; These feelings can create stress that young people pick up on and absorb.&nbsp; Young people may even feel a sense of responsibility and worry about the family finances themselves.</p> <p>Spending additional time with&nbsp;erratic or&nbsp;dysfunctional families over the holidays can also be stress- inducing.&nbsp; And for those whose family members are&nbsp;absent, or no longer with us,&nbsp;loneliness&nbsp;and depression may set in.&nbsp;&nbsp;It doesn’t help that these upsetting emotions are coming at a time when people are expected to&nbsp;be&nbsp;festive and&nbsp;jolly.</p> <p>For all these reasons and more, we and our students may be more easily triggered during this period. When that happens, the “fight, flight or freeze” stress response kicks in and we risk “flipping our lids.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some simple steps you and your students can take to cope with these heightened emotions:<br> &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong>Step 1:</strong>&nbsp; Make sure you yourself are calm before you help your students.&nbsp; Use techniques that have worked for you in the past, like deep breathing, self-talk, or acknowledging how you are feeling in the moment, e.g. “I feel annoyed” or “I feel worried” or “I feel upset.”&nbsp; You can say it inside your head, or quietly under your breath.&nbsp; And if you want it to be a teachable moment, you can say it out loud, modeling for your students how self-talk helps you calm down. Note how saying “I feel annoyed” is different from saying “I am annoyed.” By recognizing this as a feeling, not as a quality that is part of our identity, we acknowledge that the feeling is temporary and that we can move beyond it.&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Step 2:&nbsp; </strong>Connect with the young person who is being triggered. Meet them at their level, literally, without crowding their space. This might mean crouching down to be face to face with them. Try to connect by calmly and quietly using their name, and perhaps putting your hand on their shoulder or arm.&nbsp; This can help the student’s system stabilize because they no longer feel alone.<br> <br> &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Step 3:&nbsp; </strong>Next, recognize the feeling that the student seems to have, and name it, e.g. “You look like you’re feeling frustrated” or “It sounds like you are feeling angry” (or “sad” or “nervous”).&nbsp; Whatever the feeling may be, “name it to tame it.”<br> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>As neuropsychologist Dan Siegel explains, naming our feelings – or having a supportive person name them for us – sends soothing neurotransmitters to the lower, more&nbsp;primal&nbsp;part of the brain&nbsp;that is designed to trigger our stress response.&nbsp;Calming down this more agitated part of the brain&nbsp;allows us instead to have access to the more recently developed upper parts of the brain that are involved in processing and synthesizing complex information. It is this part of the brain that supports our amazing capacity to learn, focus, make good decisions, moderate our social behavior, and even feel empathy.&nbsp;It can also help us think pro-actively about the holidays; what we might do and who we might reach out to when the going gets tough.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Laura McClure</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-12-09T12:56:00-05:00" title="Sunday, December 9, 2018 - 12:56">December 9, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Sun, 09 Dec 2018 17:56:00 +0000 Laura McClure 1263 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org The Transformation of a West Philadelphia High School https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/transformation-west-philadelphia-high-school <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>The Transformation of a West Philadelphia High School</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HatSl1lu_PM" width="560"></iframe></p> <hr> <p><br> <strong>Focus: &nbsp;</strong>Restorative circles and Restorative Discipline<br> <strong>Time:</strong> 9:03 min<br> <strong>Who &amp; Where:</strong> West Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA<br> <strong>Grade Level:</strong> High School</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><strong>Description:</strong></p> <p>In the first part of the video, staff at the school talk about how they transformed their school by shifting from a punitive approach to a restorative approach using restorative circles, community building and teaching social skills.</p> <p>Staff talk about a particular incident with a group of girls that had escalated. &nbsp;The girls participated in a restorative circle where they had an opportunity to talk and listen to each other. &nbsp;It came out that the incident had started because of a misunderstanding. &nbsp;Students also reflect on their experience with circles, how it makes them feel and how it has transformed their school experience. &nbsp;</p> <p>Before circles they describe a violent environment with lots of fights and suspensions, where there was fear. Now “Circles have changed our class, because we’ve had to talk to one another, like, it’s not just the teachers, all of us together, so we’ve kind of had to come as a team, and talk.” &nbsp;</p> <p>“When something’s bothering me, circles help me relax, cause I’m talking to somebody. &nbsp;With me, when I’m frustrated, sad and all these other emotions, I need to talk to somebody.” And as the AP explains: “I think the turning moment, and I could see it in the students’ faces, is when they realized they had a say, they realized they were participants, that they were going to be listened to, they could have input.”&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-12-06T09:24:22-05:00" title="Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 09:24">December 6, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Thu, 06 Dec 2018 14:24:22 +0000 Sara Carrero 1259 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org Restorative Practices in Santa Rosa Schools https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/restorative-practices-santa-rosa-schools <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Restorative Practices in Santa Rosa Schools</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9pYuA3o6WuU" width="560"></iframe></p> <hr> <p><strong>Focus:</strong> Restorative Practices, Restorative Discipline &amp; Restorative Mindset<br> <strong>Time: </strong>10:45 min<br> <strong>Who &amp; Where: </strong>&nbsp;Santa Rosa School District, CA &amp; Restorative Resources<br> <strong>Grade Level:</strong> High School</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><strong>Description:</strong></p> <p>Staff discuss the messages students receive when using punitive versus restorative approaches and how a restorative approach has shifted student attitudes and behavior. &nbsp;The video explains how teachers in Santa Rosa were hesitant at first, then really happy to be able to change their role. &nbsp;</p> <p>“You have this role that you play as a teacher to keep control, ... and it separates you from your students … to all of a sudden be able to sit down and quit being a teacher and just start being a person, and sit there and communicate directly, it makes bonds.” &nbsp;</p> <p>“It takes a lot of courage for a teacher who’s had a conflict with a kid to have a restorative process with that kid. &nbsp;… It can also be incredibly powerful and can make a huge difference for both the student and the teacher, how they see each other and how they interact from there forward.”</p> <p>Students talk about their experience with restorative practices and being held accountable. &nbsp;Restorative Resources staff talks the viewer through the nuts and bolts of a restorative conference and the impact it has on people’s lives. &nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-11-15T09:24:27-05:00" title="Thursday, November 15, 2018 - 09:24">November 15, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Thu, 15 Nov 2018 14:24:27 +0000 Sara Carrero 1260 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org How can we respond to Trump’s attack on transgender kids? https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/how-can-we-respond-trumps-attack-transgender-kids <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>How can we respond to Trump’s attack on transgender kids?</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I’ve received many texts and calls from family, friends, and colleagues since the Trump administration announced its plan to redefine “sex discrimination” under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded schools.</p> <p>The Trump administration’s proposal would deny my transgender child federal protection at school. The administration’s proposal disregards scientific medical data, which has established that gender is more of a spectrum or fluid sphere of gender identities and expressions than two fixed points. This new gender diversity model has been adopted by the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although this is not the Trump administration’s first action against the LGBTQ+ community, this proposal lands so hard as a mom. I want my child to be safe walking in school hallways and on the streets of any town or city. But if this proposal is passed, my family fears that this basic human need and right to be safe and free will be taken away.</p> <p>So what can we do as parents and educators in the face of the Trump administration’s plan to define “transgender” out of existence? From my vantage point as the parent of a trans child and an educator, I see many ways that we can all support our young people, including those who are trans, queer, or questioning.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most importantly, when a hurt or harm such as this one has occurred, the first step is to recognize that it happened. It felt so good to have people reach out to me and my daughter after the new policy on gender was announced, to hear how others were determined to stand with our family and to raise awareness around gender diversity. It is a basic human need to be seen, heard, and accepted for who we are – that is real belonging. So the first thing to do is to acknowledge what has happened, and invite people to share their feelings about it in the welcoming community we have created. Morningside Center has many activities and approaches for inviting this kind of sharing of feelings, including <a href="https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/introduction-circles">basic circles</a>. Also see the <a href="http://www.amyfabrikant.com/downloads/Resources/Paloma's%20Secret%20-%20FeelingsChart.pdf">feelings chart</a> on my website, which aims to help people articulate uncomfortable feelings.</p> <p>Beyond this immediate response, there’s much that we can do to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, and all students, going forward.<br> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>1.&nbsp; Increase our own gender literacy.&nbsp;</strong>We can begin by deepening our own understanding of gender, including by learning about the history, lives, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people. There are many books and websites to explore. Three favorites are:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glsen.org/">www.glsen.org</a>&nbsp;(Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network),&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tolerance.org/">www.tolerance.org</a>&nbsp;(Teaching Tolerance), and <a href="http://www.hrc.org">www.hrc.org</a>&nbsp;(Human Rights Campaign). We can use some of these resources, and apply our increased understanding, in our teaching and parenting.&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Challenge language or ideas that perpetuate binary notions of gender.</strong>&nbsp; As educators we can retire the old model of greeting a classroom with, “hello boys and girls.” Instead, we can affirm all gender identities by saying, “hello scholars,” “hello students,” or any non-gendered term for a group. And we all need to be aware of the ubiquitous “hey guys!”<br> <br> <br> <strong>3. Invite into our homes and classrooms books, videos, and people</strong>&nbsp;who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and other non-cisgender identities, expanding understanding of gender by young people and ourselves. Ten years ago, I wrote a children’s book about a transgender child called&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amyfabrikant.com/">When Kayla Was Kyle</a>. Back then, there were very few such books. Now there are many other wonderful options.<br> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4. Explore our own gender journey in partnership with others</strong>.&nbsp;Adults can further increase our own awareness of gender by exploring our personal gender journeys together –&nbsp;if&nbsp;we have established trust and safety in the group, and if we are prepared to use active listening skills. One strategy that can be helpful for exploring our own gender journeys is to plot our experiences on a timeline or draw a map of these experiences (all creativity welcome).&nbsp; Examine your earliest messages around gender:</p> <ul> <li>How old were you?</li> <li>Where were you?</li> <li>What was happening?</li> <li>Who was there?</li> <li>What message(s) were received in that experience?</li> </ul> <p>Continue to describe each plot point or scene, taking turns sharing some or all of the journey. Examine current beliefs you hold around gender.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-11-13T14:29:58-05:00" title="Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 14:29">November 13, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Tue, 13 Nov 2018 19:29:58 +0000 Sara Carrero 1253 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org Class Meetings: A Caring School Community  https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/class-meetings-caring-school-community <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Class Meetings: A Caring School Community </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FnWDN4neV2I?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></p> <hr> <p><strong>Focus:</strong> &nbsp;The Impact of Restorative Class Meetings in Elementary school&nbsp;<br> <strong>Time:</strong> 4:10 min<br> <strong>Grade Level:</strong> Elementary School</p> <p><strong>Description: &nbsp;</strong>In this video, students of different ages talk about what happens in class meetings in their school. Third grader: “We share what’s in our mind, our hearts and our soul and then … we just let out everything that happens. &nbsp;Like if … there’s bullying. &nbsp;It’s caring for each other” &nbsp;Fifth grader: “I think it’s important to get your feelings out and it helps with social skills, being able to speak your mind and being true to yourself because not a lot of kids have that opportunity and are able to do that.” &nbsp;The video discusses and shows the empathy that is built through class meetings and the impact it has in the school. &nbsp;And as the kindergarten teacher shares: “It has made me more aware and empathetic of the emotional tone of my classroom. &nbsp;It has made me really value the fact that when the children are safe and able to express themselves and feel good, just how happy the classroom feels. &nbsp;Good interactions take place, beautiful things that children teach each other and make a new friend even.”<br> &nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-10-11T11:46:26-04:00" title="Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 11:46">October 11, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:46:26 +0000 Sara Carrero 1240 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org Peer Mediation: Building Empathy and Resolving Conflicts https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/peer-mediation-building-empathy-and-resolving-conflicts <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Peer Mediation: Building Empathy and Resolving Conflicts</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zgw7gY9fbz8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><strong>Focus: </strong>&nbsp;A school Justice Committee practices mediation<br> <strong>Time: </strong>4:30 min<br> <strong>Who &amp; Where: </strong>Pittsfield Middle High School<br> <strong>Grade Level:</strong> Middle &amp; High School</p> <p><strong>Description: </strong>&nbsp;The video shows the Justice Committee at Pittsfield Middle High School—a group of students trained in conflict resolution skills to be able to address conflict at the school in a restorative way. Instead of getting suspensions or detentions, students at the school can turn to the Justice Committee, which offers them an alternative way to resolve conflicts, with each other or a teacher. &nbsp;The video shows students new to the committee, being trained as mediators, as they role play a mediation and reflect on the various steps of that mediation in detail.<br> &nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span>Sara Carrero</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--teachable-moment-lesson.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2018-09-24T10:58:16-04:00" title="Monday, September 24, 2018 - 10:58">September 24, 2018</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/system/templates/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:58:16 +0000 Sara Carrero 1238 at https://www.morningsidecenter.org