1. American Council for School Social Work 2014 Workshop

2. Organizational Background Luster Learning Institute – Chicago-based not-for-profit org., 2007 – Calm Classroom school-wide program, 2008 150 Chicago area schools – Preschool-12 th Grade – 85,000 students and their families

3. Two Wolves

4. 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

5. 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

6. Calm Classroom Introduction

7. Calm Classroom Materials Short and scripted techniques: – Breathing – Stretching – Focusing – Relaxation Materials – Manual & CD – Focusing Chime

8. 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)

9. Measureable External Outcomes Improved academics – Standardized testing – GPA’s Decreased aggression – Suspensions – Code of Conduct Violations – Bullying – Self Harm

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Practice Body Scan

14. Share Out How did the Body Scan technique effect you? – Physically (body sensations) – Mentally (thoughts) – Emotionally (feelings)

15. Why Practice Calm Classroom?? 1.Relaxation Response Physical and emotional control of stress/anxiety 2. Brain-Based Functionality Memory, resilience, analytical skills Research

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

17. 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

18. Student Leader

19. How to Teach Slow Pause and breathe Tone Volume Pay attention

20. Teach Feeling the Breath (handout)

21. Practice Bell Focus

23. Practice Music Scribble

24. Practice Seated Mountain

25. Order for Implementation

26. 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

27. Student Reactions Common Initial Reactions: – Closing eyes – Slouching/falling asleep – Laughing or disturbing others by moving/making noise – Refusing to participate

28. Create a Statement…. About what Calm Classroom is and how it could benefit your students – Use terms your students can understand and related to

29. How to Introduce Use statement Show video (if appropriate) – Go to: www.calmclassroom.comwww.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

30. 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: support@calmclassroom.com support@calmclassroom.com