Learned helplessness in students is a psychological phenomenon in which children begin to feel as though they have no control over the events or circumstances happening to them, which can manifest within in the classroom. This can lead to... Continue reading.
Through the generosity of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT), Starr Commonwealth was the recipient of gift baskets for students participating in its Student Resiliency and Empowerment Center (REC). Gifts were delivered prior to the holiday... Continue reading.
Promoting inclusion in the classroom is crucial for creating an equitable, safe learning environment for all students. The good news is that intentional inclusion is instrumental to being trauma-informed. The key lies within the Circle of... Continue reading.
The return to school after a long holiday break can be tricky for everyone. Routine is critical for success in any classroom—not only for our students but for our own practices as educators (read more about trauma-informed routines here).... Continue reading.
“Peace on earth, goodwill towards people!” A high school friend has sent me this seasonal greeting for several decades now. Oh, and my friend changed the wording, “towards men” to “towards people” with the very first... Continue reading.
The holiday season is upon us: at home, in the workplace, in our communities, classrooms, and far and wide in the media, online, and in neighborhood stores. This time of year can inspire festive gatherings and activities of joy, togetherness, and... Continue reading.
We are quickly approaching the final days of instruction for many before schools close for holiday breaks. A lot of teachers and students are looking forward to a couple weeks of rest, relaxation and some physically distanced fun. However, breaks... Continue reading.
It’s not a single issue. It’s not a soundbite. It’s not a quick fix. But it is possible to prevent school shootings. As we take pause and reflect on the first anniversary of the Oxford High School shooting, many are looking backward to try... Continue reading.
There are three inter-related core needs or pillars of intervention as referred to by Bath & Seita (2018) for successful intervention with children affected by adversity. These pillars include: safety, connection, coping ability. A felt sense... Continue reading.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month Name-calling, mockery, harassment and threats are bullying. They are traumatic. Remember: Any experience that leaves a person feeling hopeless, helpless and unable to do something about their situation... Continue reading.
6 Ways to Show Teachers You Care The National School Climate Center notes that “empirical research has shown that when school members feel safe, valued, cared for, engaged, and respected, learning increases and staff satisfaction and retention... Continue reading.
5 Reasons for Teachers to Co-Regulate Emotions (and How to Start from Day One) We cannot expect children who are already stressed and activated to be able to regulate on their own. They need our help. When you help a child regulate, rather than... Continue reading.
4 Habits for Teachers to Help with Student Stress Trauma and toxic stress aren’t always rooted in the obvious. In many cases there is not just one thing that has happened but a constant experience of stress related to multiple exposures. As we... Continue reading.
Making Connections in the Classroom Making connections with students is the most important thing you can do as an educator. It can be the strongest factor in reducing incidents of anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse, and... Continue reading.
Starr Commonwealth has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Upon review of Starr’s policies, procedures and programs over the past three years, COA’s peer review team recommended expedited... Continue reading.
