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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:19 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Hello and good morning, school leaders.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:22 Welcome to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:26 Today, we are tackling a challenge that every educator faces,
00:00:26 --> 00:00:32 and that is helping emotionally dysregulated students get back on track quickly.
00:00:32 --> 00:00:37 Now, I'm sure we have all had these moments where our own emotions get the better of us.
00:00:37 --> 00:00:42 For students, and especially our younger ones, navigating big feelings can be
00:00:42 --> 00:00:43 particularly difficult.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 And when a student is emotionally dysregulated, it can disrupt not only their
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 learning, but also the entire classroom.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:55 So what can we do to help them quickly regain that control and focus?
00:00:56 --> 00:01:00 The key is to remember that But dysregulation isn't about defiance.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:05 It's often a sign that the student is struggling. They need support, not punishment.
00:01:06 --> 00:01:09 Here are a few strategies to help them get back on track. We're going to start
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 with recognizing the signs early.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:17 The sooner we recognize a student is becoming dysregulated, the easier it is to intervene.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:22 Look for those telltale signs like fidgeting or changes in facial expression,
00:01:22 --> 00:01:25 increased volume, or even withdrawal.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:28 Trust your gut. You know your students best.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:32 When we start to get to that part, then approach with empathy and calm.
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 Avoid approaching the student in a reactive or judgmental way.
00:01:36 --> 00:01:40 Instead, approach them calmly and empathetically.
00:01:40 --> 00:01:44 Lower your voice. Get down to their level and let them know you're there to
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 help. A simple, I see you're having a tough time.
00:01:47 --> 00:01:50 Can we talk about it? That can make a big difference.
00:01:51 --> 00:01:56 And then think about offering a safe space. Have a designated calm down corner
00:01:56 --> 00:02:00 or a quiet area where students can take a break. This can be incredibly helpful.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:04 This space should be free of distractions and offer calming tools like stress
00:02:04 --> 00:02:08 balls, coloring pages, or even just a comfortable place to sit.
00:02:09 --> 00:02:13 Next, I would try to help them name their feelings. Often students don't even
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 understand what they're feeling.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:20 Helping them identify and name their emotions, this can be a very powerful first step.
00:02:21 --> 00:02:25 You can say something like, it looks like you're feeling frustrated. Is that right?
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 Once they've identified the emotion, it becomes easier to address it.
00:02:30 --> 00:02:35 We also need to then teach some coping strategies. Equip students with a toolbox
00:02:35 --> 00:02:38 of coping strategies that they can use when they start to feel overwhelmed.
00:02:38 --> 00:02:42 As soon as we can get to that part where students understand that and use the
00:02:42 --> 00:02:47 coping strategies on their own, we're winning this game. We're getting to that ultimate goal.
00:02:47 --> 00:02:51 This could include some deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques,
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 or even just taking a short walk.
00:02:53 --> 00:02:57 Practice these strategies with students before they become dysregulated,
00:02:57 --> 00:03:00 so then they know how to use them when they need them.
00:03:01 --> 00:03:05 When possible, give students some choices and control over the situation.
00:03:05 --> 00:03:09 This can help them feel empowered and less overwhelmed.
00:03:09 --> 00:03:13 For example, we could ask, what would you like to take a break in the calm down
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 corner? Would you prefer to talk about it here?
00:03:15 --> 00:03:19 Give them that opportunity to make that choice and get some ownership in this.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:24 Once the student has calmed down, help them reconnect with that learning activity.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:28 But I would wait until they're ready to do so. offer support,
00:03:28 --> 00:03:32 offer encouragement, and maybe break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 A simple, are you ready to try again?
00:03:35 --> 00:03:39 I'm here to help you if you need it. That can go a long way.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:42 Again, giving them some ownership in that behavior.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:46 Then just don't forget to check in with the student later in the day. See how they're doing.
00:03:46 --> 00:03:50 This shows them that you care, and it provides also an opportunity for them
00:03:50 --> 00:03:53 to share anything that they might not have felt comfortable sharing earlier.
00:03:54 --> 00:03:57 A good friend of mine always says the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong
00:03:57 --> 00:03:59 thing, and it's so true here.
00:04:00 --> 00:04:04 That regulation that they've got to get back to, that's going to be the right
00:04:04 --> 00:04:06 time to start having those conversations.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:12 Just remember that emotional regulation is a skill. It takes time and it takes practice to develop.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:17 Be patient, be supportive, but most importantly, be consistent.
00:04:18 --> 00:04:21 By implementing a few strategies, you can really help your students navigate
00:04:21 --> 00:04:24 their big feelings, and get back on track quickly.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:28 That's all for today's Your Morning Boost. Have a fantastic day.
00:04:28 --> 00:04:30 Remember, your leadership makes a difference.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 Thank you for doing the job that only a few can do.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 Thanks for listening. We will talk with you again tomorrow. You have been listening
00:04:37 --> 00:04:42 to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:42 --> 00:04:47 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:48 --> 00:04:52 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:52 --> 00:04:56 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.