TL;DR: It’s important to talk about suicide. It’s everyone’s role to discuss, prevent, and destigmatize suicide. Suicide prevention is social justice and access issue as well as a mental health issue. We need to become a trauma-informed, caring educator so we can support students who need help. Below you will find a list of common myths about suicide talk. Generally, … Read More
Providing a Safety Net for Students: 2 Factors to Implement
TL;DR: As we begin the new school year, keep in mind how to keep our students safe. Comfort and communication are two factors to keep in mind when providing a safety net for students. Providing a Safety Net for Students: How do we keep our children safe in today’s climate? Pencils are sharpening. Notebooks are being opened. Crayons are used … Read More
Safety is at the Core of Discourse with Dr. Cherie Bridges Patrick
Safety is critical for healing the effects of trauma. This is at the center of the conversation between Dr. Cherie Bridges Patrick and I as we go over safety cues, racial trauma, the polyvagal theory, awareness of our body and more. Let me be clear that learning about all of this DOES have an important purpose for us as … Read More
Create Safe Spaces
TL;DR: We remember what is taught through stories with courageous conversations. Stories help us understand, connect, and give a pathway and multiple opportunities to teaching concepts. Stories resonate with us and are close to our hearts to empower our spirit when there is a safe classroom discussion space. Create safe spaces by incorporating storytelling, reflection, journaling, and using graphic organizers … Read More
Earth Day Every Day with Outdoor Education
TL;DR: Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. When considering outdoor education, it is important to think about safety, seating, and work surfaces. Earth Day happens every year on April 22 to commemorate the modern environmental movement that began in 1970. Until then there was no EPA, no Clean Air or Water Act. The first Earth Day was actually … Read More
