This conversation popped up in my memories feed today. And as I reread it, I'm wondering how much we've grown in our thinking in the past year. Here are my two thoughts:
1) The "Choices" Debate... I agree that not every misbehavior in children (with high or low ACEs) is a conscious choice. We actually know this based on what we know about the development of the prefrontal cortex. I do think that there are times that behavior is a choice though (for both children with high and low ACEs) and it takes a stable caring adult relationship that is willing to be curious about what triggered the behavior, if it was a choice or a reaction, and how best to respond to the moment. I also think we should ask what another "choice" would have been in response. I think using that word helps the child understand that they can make choices- that it helps to build those pathways in their brains to begin to see different options rather than getting stuck in reaction mode. This has to be done when both the adult and the child are regulated and not in the heat of the moment "What were you thinking??!?!?!" kind of reaction. 2) I am growing more and more nervous that within a very short period of time we are going to be seeing Zones of Regulation check-ins go down the same path as our Assertive Discipline clip-charts (see my thoughts on those in a previous post). I hear of so many administrations that are mandating daily check-ins with each students, and I've seen the variety of cute ways that teachers are setting up charts, jars, Google Forms, and desk cards in their classrooms. I know that you all have the best of intentions at heart, but hear me out. There is a natural progression that comes with being a trauma-informed building - and it doesn't happen overnight (more on this to come in an upcoming post). As teachers are beginning this journey and we are requiring a daily check-in for how students are entering the room, we might first ask ourselves several questions:
Understanding the impact of trauma is likely the most groundbreaking change to education in history. It is being referred to as The Theory of Everything. It feels as if it is the missing link to so many critical challenges we face as a society. We can't afford to let this be just another pendulum swing. This cannot be another thing that we package into a boxed curriculum that is mandated, over systemized, and eventually becomes pushed to the side when the next shiny thing promising results comes along. We have to do this right. Everything depends on it.
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AuthorHope guides me in all endeavors. In both my professional and personal life I see opportunities to share and spread hope with others so that they too may develop pathways to see great possibilities in their lives. I believe in the power of engaged educators to build significant relationships with young people to encourage, inspire, and build great lives. This blog is a collection of my thoughts on education, hope, connecting, and engaging. Archives
July 2018
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