Children with emotional disturbances—those who have experienced a significant traumatic event or had a broken connection with a caregiver—are “in a persistent state of alarm,” writes Lori Desautels, an assistant professor at Butler University.
But children have the capability to bounce back from adversity, and educators can establish a class environment that makes them feel safe and prepared to learn.
Desautels suggests a few routines that have worked well in her classroom:
Establish Brain-Based Learning Areas: When students learn about their brain functions through specific activities, “they become more self-aware and fluent in their own cognitive processes,” writes Desautels. In her classroom, students can go to designated corners that correspond to the different parts of the brain, like the “amygdala first aid station,” to regulate negative emotions.
🗒️ Share Personalized Notes: When students are in a negative brain state, they can’t learn, says Desautels. Teachers sh...
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