Teaching with CLASS®

Teaching with CLASS®

By Teachstone Inc.Education
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Teaching with CLASS® episodes

  • Strategies for Interacting with Children who Have Experienced Trauma

    In part two of our heart-to-heart conversation about understanding trauma in the classroom, Megin Ruston illuminates the path to empowering educators to step into their roles as unwavering advocates for their young charges. We discuss understanding the profound impact of trauma on a child's brain and behavior and equipping oneself with the tools to manage those critical dysregulated moments. 

    By embracing self-care and emotional regulation, teachers can become the bedrock upon which children can rebuild their sense of safety and learn to express and regulate their own emotions. From the practicality of visual aids for emotional communication to the subtleties of co-regulation, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode

     

    • [00:00:00] Introduction
    • [00:03:00] Strategies that teachers can use to help meet children’s regulation needs as well as their own
    • [00:07:43] Supportive interactions educators can have with children
    • [00:12:45] Where to go after understanding what the child is going through
    • [00:18:05] What to do once both teacher and child are calm 
    • [00:21:45] The ripple effect of individualizing your response to one child
    • [00:24:35] The importance of establishing a trusting relationship
    • [00:25:11] Big takeaways from this conversation
    • [00:26:53] The importance of supports for teachers
    • [00:27:44] The message of encouragement Megin would share with educators

      • Resources

      Kate Cline  

      Megin Ruston

      32 min
    • Understanding How Trauma Shows up in the Classroom

      This is the first of a 2-part series where we’ll unpack the complexities of childhood trauma and its profound effects on young minds. Megin Rustin, a seasoned early childhood educator and adoptive mother, shares her wealth of knowledge and personal insights on this critical topic. 

       

      Listen in as we explore the scientific intricacies of the developing brain, discussing how regions like the amygdala and hippocampus respond to trauma and how these responses can have lasting implications into adulthood. Our conversation offers a heartfelt blend of professional expertise and real-life experience, shedding light on the often unseen challenges children face due to traumatic experiences.

       

      Topics Discussed in This Episode

       

      • [00:00:00] Introduction
      • [00:01:26] Why the topic of trauma is so important to Megin  
      • [00:02:45] Megin’s role with Teachstone
      • [00:03:23] How Megin was involved in early childhood education before Teachstone
      • [00:05:31] What is defined as trauma
      • [00:06:25] How the brain functions under traumatic circumstances
      • [00:09:54] The things that start happening in the brain that affect its development when a traumatic event occurs
      • [00:13:16] What’s happening in the brain when young children are experiencing chronic stress
      • [00:15:36] The meanings of dysregulation and regulation
      • [00:18:30] How children learn how to calm down and regulate themselves
      • [00:22:08] The adult’s role in the regulation process
      • [00:23:47] Step 2 of co-regulating 
      • [00:26:21] Why timeouts aren’t effective and how that relates to regulation
      • [00:31:40] Why you need to be aware of a variety of strategies because we need to meet individual children's needs

        • Resources

        Kate Cline    

        Megin Ruston 

        34 min
      • Combating Burnout

        Burnout is at a whole new level within the last couple of years. Anyone who is a stakeholder feels certain levels of burnout, and there isn’t a magic cure or quick fix. On this week’s episode of Teaching with CLASS®, we replay a classic episode with guest Colleen Schmit - to help educators recognize and work through burnout.

        Colleen shares these tips on combating burnout: 

        1. Focus on your why: Write your why on a sticky note where you will see it, feel it, and remember it. If you didn’t love what you do, or have interest in what you do, you wouldn’t keep showing up, and this job is challenging! Physically, mentally, and emotionally, so being grounded in your why can really help get through the day-to-day. 
        2. Find your people: find positive people who will support you! Surround yourself with positivity and people who will empathize with you. Be mindful of who you are interacting with and how you’re responding. 
        3. Focus on joy and relationships: One of the biggest perks of working in early childhood education is that you get to work with young children, have fun, and be silly. You get to go and focus on joy and building relationships. Sometimes it is more important to pause your lesson plan and go with what you know works, or what should be addressed at that moment. Relationships impact all of the learning outcomes you’re trying to achieve. 
        4. Put yourself on the list: There is no program or regime for self-care, it is different for everyone. It can feel difficult to make time for yourself, but just do your best to be mindful of the things that will take care of your physical and mental health. It all boils down to things that you do to take care of you in a way that makes you feel more like yourself. Also, if you aren’t engaging in self-care, don’t be too hard on yourself. Be gentle with yourself and do what you can to prioritize your needs.
        5. Advocate for yourself and your students: It’s not just about being a voice for the voiceless of your children, but also yourself, the families, your co-workers. It’s a big job, but when you are advocating for everyone but yourself, you will burn out.

          6. Learn more about combating burnout on our website:

          How I Found Joy in Teaching after Losing Focus on What Matters

          Interactions at the Heart of Healing - A trauma-informed CLASS® professional development series

          More good reads:

          Stress Levels of School Administrators and Teachers in November and January 

          If You Feel Like You’ve Hit A Teaching Wall, You’re Not Alone

          Why is November so stressful?

           

          Join the CLASS® Learning Community to continue the discussion with thousands of other educators. 

           

          Subscribe and share this episode on Twitter and Facebook!

           

          Thanks for listening!

           

          37 min
        6. Using Art to Manage Big Feelings

          Welcome to a journey into the world of emotional intelligence and the transformative power of art in early childhood education. In today’s episode of Teaching with CLASS®, we are joined by Lenika Flores, a passionate advocate with over two decades of experience in nurturing young minds. Lenika’s background spans from classroom teaching to educational coaching, and today she offers invaluable insights into how art can be a conduit for children to explore and express their emotions. 

          Topics Discussed in This Episode

          [00:00:00] Introduction

          [00:01:40] Lenika’s background and why she’s here to talk about using art in the classroom and managing feelings

          [00:02:55] Where Lenika’s interest in art and using art in the classroom comes from

          [00:05:51] How a regular teacher who’s not an expert in art can support art in the classroom

          [00:09:08] Things to bring into the classroom to inspire children to explore and create

          [00:11:42] Bringing children’s art and feelings together 

          [00:18:37] Classroom organization and setting boundaries around art materials 

          [00:21:26] Inviting teachers to be thoughtful in implementing art activities

          [00:23:16] Whether educators get something out of art experiences alongside children

          Resources

          Kate Cline

          Lenika Flores

           

          30 min
        7. What to Know about CLASS® and Children with Disabilities

          This episode dives into the world of special education, focusing on the importance of individualized interactions in the classroom. Today’s guest, Mary-Margaret Gardiner, a seasoned educator, shares her insights and experiences in working with special needs children. 

          The discussion ranges from understanding each child's unique cues and needs to effective strategies for classroom observations. Mary-Margaret highlights the importance of understanding each child's individual needs and cues, and how teachers can use that understanding to foster powerful interactions that support unique learning styles.

          Topics Discussed in This Episode

          • [00:01:38] Mary-Margaret’s background
          • [00:05:19] How the guiding principles of CLASS® 2nd edition apply to all children, including those with special needs
          • [00:07:41] How teachers can effectively interact with children who don’t like to interact
          • [00:11:51] Attending to the needs of children with and without special needs in the same classroom
          • [00:18:16] Addressing challenges in interacting with children who have developmental delays
          • [00:22:29] What observers need to know about special needs when they go observe a classroom
          • [00:28:27] Which tools observers use 
          • [00:31:30] Strategies Mary-Margaret wants educators to know 

            • Resources

            Mary-Margaret Gardiner  

            Resources for Educators  

            Recommendations for Using CLASS in Inclusive Early Childhood Programs  

            35 min
          • The Power of Connecting with Multilingual Learners

            Unravel the world of bilingual education with our special guest, Karen Nemef, a celebrated author, consultant, and staunch advocate for high-quality early learning experiences for young multilingual learners. Throughout this episode, Karen enlightens us on the power of bilingualism, offering a profound understanding of what it means to be a dual language learner and the importance of connecting with these children in their languages, regardless of their proficiency level.

            Karen brings her expertise to bear as she shares fascinating research-backed evidence, demonstrating that supporting a child's home language not only helps them excel in English but in other languages too. She discusses the concept of "banking time" when teacher and student speak different languages, offers practical tips on how to engage with a child who speaks a different language, and emphasizes the critical role of building a genuine connection with the child through nonverbal skills and shared play materials. 

            Topics Discussed in This Episode

            • [00:00:51] Karen’s background and current role
            • [00:04:25] How to define a multilingual or dual language learner
            • [00:06:50] The strength of bilingualism 
            • [00:07:19] What interactions look like when children and teachers speak different languages
            • [00:09:39] What the research says about how multilingual learners can thrive in the early childhood education setting
            • [00:13:52] How teachers can learn to interact with students in their home languages 
            • [00:16:39] Training teachers on the importance of listening
            • [00:17:50] Banking time when you don’t speak the same language as the child 
            • [00:23:02] The multiple reasons to involve the parents and family of the child
            • [00:24:27] Key takeaways for teachers to practice with their students 

              • Resources

              Karen Nemeth

              Karen on Facebook

              ELLs / DLLs in Early Childhood on LinkedIn

              Language Castle

              28 min
            • Connecting Amidst Trauma: Strategies for Navigating Challenging Behaviors

              In today’s episode, we explore the difficult topic of student trauma and challenging behaviors in the classroom. Joining us today is Dr. Johayra Bouza, an educator who has walked the path from poverty to academia thanks to the dedication and support of her teachers. Dr. Bouza brings her rich insights and practical advice to address these pressing issues that have been amplified due to the pandemic and its associated social isolation.

              Throughout this episode, Dr. Bouza provides invaluable advice on how to manage student trauma and challenging behaviors in the classroom. She underscores the importance of recognizing the trauma that educators themselves may be undergoing and shares effective coping strategies. From deep breathing exercises to setting boundaries and validating emotions, Dr. Bouza offers a range of strategies to handle difficult situations. Additionally, she discusses the critical role of understanding the child, engaging them in calming activities, and fostering positive parent-educator relationships. 

              Topics Discussed in This Episode

              • [00:00:39] Dr. Bouza’s background and current role
              • [00:05:22] The reasons for changing student behaviors and more challenging behaviors
              • [00:07:23] The kinds of behaviors students are exhibiting in the classroom these days
              • [00:09:09] Ways to cope with more challenging behaviors
              • [00:17:50] Communicating with parents about challenging behaviors
              • [00:26:06] Strategies teachers can share with families to help them connect with their students
              • [00:29:04] Concrete strategies teachers can use for children exhibiting challenging behaviors

                • Resources

                Dr. Johayra Bouza

                31 min
              • Conectando en Medio del Trauma: Estrategias Para Navegar los Comportamientos Desafiantes

                En los últimos años se ha visto un aumento en las conductas desafiantes en el salón de clases. El trauma tiene mucho que ver con este comportamiento, por lo que hoy tenemos a la Dra. Johayra Bouza, para ayudarnos a entender la conexión que existe entre lo que se vive en casa y lo que sucede en el salón de clases, así cómo desarrollar estrategias para navegar los eventos de conducta desafiante y cómo comunicarlo a las familias para fomentar que estas estrategias también se apliquen en casa.


                Tópicos discutidos en este episodio:

                [04:16] ¿Cuáles son las razones del comportamiento desafiante?

                [07:38] ¿Cómo manejar la frustración y controlar los comportamientos desafiantes?

                [17:30] Conectar con las dos partes del conflicto.

                [21:52] ¿Cómo comunicar las conductas desafiantes a los padres?

                [27:10] ¿Cómo fomentar que las familias se conecten con los niños y niñas en casa?

                [29:20] Estrategias para implementar desde hoy.

                 

                32 min
              • Strength in Sensitivity: How Being a Sensitive Educator Benefits Children

                In today’s episode, Rommel Mendez, a toddler educator with over a decade of experience, shares his valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering trust, sensitivity, and emotional security in the classroom. 

                His approach emphasizes meeting children where they are, understanding their unique needs, and equipping them with tools for self-regulation. The conversation also touches on adapting activities to cater to individual needs and interests, fostering relationships with parents, and handling issues like sensory overload.

                Topics Discussed in This Episode

                • [00:01:05] Rommel’s background and current role
                • [00:02:57] How teachers can build trust with toddlers
                • [00:05:08] How teacher sensitivity impacts behavior in the classroom 
                • [00:07:40] How to help individual students with problems like sensory overload 
                • [00:09:35] Maintaining mindful expectations for students and modeling behaviors
                • [00:12:23] Promoting growth and development in a sensitive way
                • [00:16:53] Combining sensitivity with adaptability
                • [00:18:09] Strategies that teachers can implement immediately to adapt activities or increase their awareness and responsiveness
                  • 20 min
                • Fortalecer la Sensibilidad: Como Siendo un Educador Sensible Puede Beneficiar a los Niños

                  Hoy está con nosotros Rommel Mendez, maestro de niños pequeños en CPLC EHS-Phoenix. Con más de 10 años de experiencia trabajando con CPLC, Rommel viene a conversar sobre cómo la sensibilidad en el salón de clases puede ser una herramienta para entender mejor a tus estudiantes y facilitar el proceso de adaptación de las lecciones, resultando en una mejor experiencia en el salón de clases.

                  Tópicos discutidos en este episodio:

                  [02:39 - 04:04] Sensibilidad del maestro y la maestra para generar confianza en los niños.

                  [04:04 - 06:19] ¿Cómo afecta la sensibilidad del maestro al comportamiento del niño en el salón de clase?

                  [06:19 - 10:54] ¿Cómo manejar los momentos de sobrecarga sensorial?

                  [11:07 - 14:07] Planificar actividades tomando en cuenta la individualización.

                  [14:07 - 17:12] Adaptaciones de las lecciones sobre la marcha y cómo afecta los cambios en la rutina.

                  [17:12 - 21:54] Estrategias que puedes implementar desde hoy.

                  23 min

                About Teaching with CLASS®

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                Explore topics that are important to you while getting tactical strategies you can implement right away in your classroom! Each episode dives into a specific aspect of teaching and offers short, helpful strategies you can add to your practice.