February 15th, 2022

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Mental health and well being by Dr Richard Bolduc, PhD. (OCSB)

• An overview of the OCSB Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy as well as specific strategies for teachers relating it to clinical practice.

• Socio-Emotional Learning strategies were also be discussed. This includes the personal connection with students and how to use that in your practice.

Trauma Informed Education: The Relational Approach to Improving Connection, Engagement and Learning Outcomes for Disengaged Youth by Mia Kakebeeke (CAS-Ottawa)

• Exploring how connection and the relationship between the student and the teacher creates security. This is the first necessary step to trauma informed teaching.

  • How do trauma and chronic stress affect the brain?

  • What constitutes "trauma informed" educational practices?

    • Trauma informed practices are relationship-based interventions.

    • Recognizing that “a child is not their behavior” is asking why rather than what's wrong. 

    • Emotional dysregulation = fight, flight OR freeze in response to stress. This happens instead of handling emotions independently. 

  • What strategies and supports can we put in place to improve engagement and learning outcomes for our students?

• Big T trauma and small t trauma = Knowing the difference and how to implement strategies to help. ​

• Knowing that engagement with your students and creating safe environments is more beneficial for students than learning the material. 

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