American Council for School Social Work2014 Workshop

Organizational Background

• Luster Learning Institute– Chicago-based not-for-profit org., 2007– Calm Classroom school-wide program, 2008

• 150 Chicago area schools– Preschool-12th 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 SystemsRTI 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 ResponsePhysical and emotional control

of stress/anxiety

2. Brain-Based FunctionalityMemory, resilience, analytical skills

Research

Overall Violations Assault and Battery

(2008 vs. 2009)46% Decline

66% Decline

4th Grade Suspensions

93% Decline

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Owens (Gompers) SchoolEvidence

Behavioral Change

Program Implementation/Structure

Required RecommendedDuring 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: www.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

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