1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:17,960
Welcome to the Calm Classroom, where we explore strategies, insights and stories to create

2
00:00:17,960 --> 00:00:21,600
a peaceful and productive learning environment.

3
00:00:21,600 --> 00:00:26,920
I'm your host, Ellie Laird, and in today's episode, setting the stage, understanding

4
00:00:26,920 --> 00:00:32,920
the importance of a calm classroom will delve into why the calm classroom approach is crucial

5
00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:39,000
for effective teaching and learning, and explore the significance of a calm classroom for students

6
00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:43,120
with learning and behavior disabilities, as well as students who have been exposed to

7
00:00:43,120 --> 00:00:45,280
trauma.

8
00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:49,120
To start off, let's consider the classroom environment.

9
00:00:49,120 --> 00:00:51,640
It's more than just walls and desks.

10
00:00:51,640 --> 00:00:56,400
It's a dynamic space where students spend a significant portion of their day.

11
00:00:56,400 --> 00:01:01,080
When this space is filled with tension or chaos, it can hinder the learning process

12
00:01:01,080 --> 00:01:07,080
and negatively impact both students and teachers, especially if they have a learning disability

13
00:01:07,080 --> 00:01:10,000
or have experienced trauma.

14
00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:11,960
Let me tell you a secret.

15
00:01:11,960 --> 00:01:18,600
As a first and second year teacher, I didn't understand the impact my teaching style had

16
00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:21,560
on my most vulnerable students.

17
00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:25,400
I planned room transformations regularly.

18
00:01:25,400 --> 00:01:30,800
The students would walk in through the door into a classroom they didn't recognize.

19
00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:35,480
I turned the classroom into a crime scene once so that we could learn about context

20
00:01:35,480 --> 00:01:39,080
clues for heaven's sake.

21
00:01:39,080 --> 00:01:43,720
Let me share the invisible impact my good intentions had.

22
00:01:43,720 --> 00:01:51,680
The three foster kids I had in my class immediately went into fight, flight, or freeze mode.

23
00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:56,080
Their day was completely thrown off and they didn't actually have the ability to attend

24
00:01:56,080 --> 00:01:59,320
to the actual lesson being taught.

25
00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:05,000
My two students who suffered from ADHD got so distracted with the new environment that

26
00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:11,240
they could feel their own focus slipping and anxiety began to ensue.

27
00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:17,160
I could tell just from their body language, even though they were acting excited and animated.

28
00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:22,080
And finally, my student who had a sensory processing disorder felt overstimulated and

29
00:02:22,080 --> 00:02:26,960
dysregulated because their environment was out of the normal routine.

30
00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:33,120
To regulate himself, he started bumping into students and spinning his body in circles.

31
00:02:33,120 --> 00:02:40,680
Then I think back on the impact my good intentions had on me at the end of the day, on my marriage,

32
00:02:40,680 --> 00:02:43,400
on my relationship with my own kids at home.

33
00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:47,240
We'll get into that in later episodes.

34
00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:51,920
The ComP classroom approach is not something solely orchestrated for the benefit of the

35
00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:52,920
students.

36
00:02:52,920 --> 00:03:01,240
It has a serene effect on you as a teacher, as a mom, as a wife, whatever your story includes.

37
00:03:01,240 --> 00:03:03,480
So why is a ComP classroom so important?

38
00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:08,360
Well, think of it as a foundation for academic and social growth.

39
00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:13,160
When students feel safe and relaxed, they are more likely to engage in learning activities,

40
00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:17,480
participate in discussions, and take academic risks.

41
00:03:17,480 --> 00:03:20,320
But how do we create this environment of calm?

42
00:03:20,320 --> 00:03:23,000
It starts with us, the educators.

43
00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:27,560
Our demeanor and approach set the tone for the entire classroom.

44
00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:33,080
By modeling patience, empathy, and positivity, we can cultivate a culture of respect and

45
00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:35,920
tranquility.

46
00:03:35,920 --> 00:03:42,000
Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices can work wonders.

47
00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:46,560
Whether it's a brief breathing exercise at the beginning of class, brain breaks during

48
00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:52,400
transitions, or designated moments for reflection, these techniques help students center themselves

49
00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:54,560
and regulate their emotions.

50
00:03:54,560 --> 00:04:00,360
Moreover, implementing mindfulness practices can benefit all students, but it's especially

51
00:04:00,360 --> 00:04:07,080
impactful for those with learning and behavior disabilities, like ADHD, autism, and sensory

52
00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:09,080
processing disorders.

53
00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:14,600
But it alone students who have experienced trauma in the past.

54
00:04:14,600 --> 00:04:20,080
Techniques like deep breathing exercises, tapping, or guided imagery, help students regulate

55
00:04:20,080 --> 00:04:24,960
their emotions, improve their attention spans, and reduce stress levels.

56
00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:29,800
Now let's not forget the physical aspect of the Com classroom.

57
00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:38,440
Picture a classroom bathed in soothing lighting, adorned with living plants, and free of clutter.

58
00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:45,120
These simple yet powerful elements create an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.

59
00:04:45,120 --> 00:04:51,200
Additionally, incorporating soft background music can further enhance the ambiance, promoting

60
00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:54,160
a sense of calm and well-being.

61
00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:59,640
Other simple adjustments, such as designated spaces for self-regulation and comfortable

62
00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:05,840
seating arrangements, can contribute to more serene atmospheres.

63
00:05:05,840 --> 00:05:12,120
Student spaces equipped with tools like sensory bends or cozy corners offer students opportunities

64
00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:16,760
to decompress and refocus when needed.

65
00:05:16,760 --> 00:05:21,560
These spaces serve as sanctuaries where students can regain their composure and prepare themselves

66
00:05:21,560 --> 00:05:22,880
for learning.

67
00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:27,320
Let's address classroom management techniques.

68
00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:31,640
Consistent routines and clear expectations provide structure and predictability, which

69
00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:39,720
are essential for students with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorders, and more.

70
00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:45,400
Visual schedules and personalized accommodations ensure that every student feels supported

71
00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:47,760
and understood.

72
00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:53,320
Why is a Com classroom particularly important for students with learning and behavior disabilities?

73
00:05:53,320 --> 00:05:55,640
Well, consider this.

74
00:05:55,640 --> 00:06:02,480
For many of these students, sensory overload, impulsivity, anxiety, executive functioning

75
00:06:02,480 --> 00:06:07,960
skills, and difficulty with transitions are everyday challenges.

76
00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:14,880
In a chaotic or overly stimulating environment, these difficulties are exacerbated, making

77
00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:18,520
it harder for them to learn and thrive.

78
00:06:18,520 --> 00:06:23,600
When we create a calm and nurturing environment in our classrooms, we provide these students

79
00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:26,200
with the support they need to succeed.

80
00:06:26,200 --> 00:06:33,200
We minimize distractions, accommodate their unique needs, and foster a sense of belonging.

81
00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:38,200
In doing so, we empower them to reach their full potential and become confident, capable

82
00:06:38,200 --> 00:06:40,640
learners.

83
00:06:40,640 --> 00:06:46,120
But perhaps the most significant impact comes from building strong relationships.

84
00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:51,720
Taking the time to connect with each student on a personal level fosters trust and belonging,

85
00:06:51,720 --> 00:06:56,360
which are essential elements of a calm and supportive classroom community.

86
00:06:56,360 --> 00:07:00,920
In subsequent episodes, we will discuss unique and easy ways to connect with your students

87
00:07:00,920 --> 00:07:03,760
on a deeper level.

88
00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:08,120
Of course, maintaining a calm classroom isn't without its challenges.

89
00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:14,440
There will be moments of disruption, conflicts to resolve, and unexpected hurdles to overcome.

90
00:07:14,440 --> 00:07:20,800
However, by embracing flexibility, practicing patience, and staying committed to our goal,

91
00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:27,160
we can navigate these obstacles and continue to cultivate a peaceful learning environment.

92
00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:32,240
As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own classroom environment.

93
00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:37,880
What are some strategies you can implement to promote calmness and positivity?

94
00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:42,800
Remember, the journey to creating a calm classroom is ongoing.

95
00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:45,240
But the rewards are immeasurable.

96
00:07:45,240 --> 00:07:48,520
Thank you for joining us on the calm classroom.

97
00:07:48,520 --> 00:07:53,680
Until next time, keep embracing tranquility and teaching with compassion.

98
00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:55,760
This is Ellie Laird signing off.

99
00:07:55,760 --> 00:08:22,760
Take care and stay calm.