American Council for School Social Work 2014 Workshop

Organizational Background Luster Learning Institute – Chicago-based not-for-profit org., 2007 – Calm Classroom school-wide program, Chicago area schools – Preschool-12 th 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 Systems RTI 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 Response Physical and emotional control of stress/anxiety 2. Brain-Based Functionality Memory, resilience, analytical skills Research

Overall Violations Assault and Battery (2008 vs. 2009) 46% Decline 66% Decline 4 th Grade Suspensions 93% Decline Owens (Gompers) School Evidence Behavioral Change

Program Implementation/Structure RequiredRecommended During 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: 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: