Trauma Basics for Youth Workers “Learn the basic, but critical skills to practice trauma-informed care in your work; whether you’re an educator, therapist, counselor, mentor, or another youth worker. This 2-hour course is free, completely online, and self-paced (you can login and complete at your own leisure ).”
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Books, books and more books! When I can go to a bookstore and walk out with a bag full of books for under $20, I feel like I hit the jackpot! Thanks, Barnes &Noble! (Anyone knows of any local bookstores in the city, let me know! )
Take the time to discard the people, places and things that hold us in the past or thrust us into the future. Hold on to what helps us remain present, focused and peaceful in the NOW.
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I LOVE this video! It’s such a wonderful alternative from beaches and forest paths. Sometimes, we need cool beats and chill vibes to get our minds refocused. Enjoy!
Allow time to prepare for the break. Scholars have to mentally prepare for changes to their schedules, even changes they think they want. Giving brain-breaking instruction up to the last minute of the last day of school may less helpful than slowing letting off the academic gas towards the end of the week.
Remember compassion. Some of our scholars have a lot of mental and emotional weight that comes with the holidays. They may not behave like scholars who are expecting a fun-filled Christmas break.
Take time to Self-Care. Holidays tend to be hectic and, sometimes, overwhelming. So, plan some down-time for self-care. Whatever makes you feel fulfilled and at peace should be on your To-Do list during the break.
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50% of the 5th-grade scholars earned a Mastery or Advance on the LEAP 360 Math interim assessment! 50%!!! Kudos to Mr. Malveaux for his dedication to our scholars and their hard work on this assessment!
Are we growing under the Tree of Compassionate Empathy? Are we blooming in the soil of warmth, insight and mutual respect? When we spread seeds of kindness, inclusivity, and authenticity into the earth around us, we ARE growing. We ARE blooming.
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This video provides us with a perfect pattern of breathing to help us overwhelm our bouts of anxiety. It is also a wonderful brain break regardless of how you feel!
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On Black Friday, the transmission on my car died while driving 45 miles an hour on I-49 with traffic. So, I am very grateful for God’s safety and protection that allowed us to coast into an empty parking lot without incident. I am also grateful for the ten years of memories created with that car; so many experiences, friendships and decisions were made behind the wheel of my trusty Altima.
Consider the reality that some people did not have wonderful family-oriented holiday plans. Some dealt with grief during this season while others struggled with abandonment and broken promises. Some ate peanut butter sandwiches instead of 5-course Thanksgiving spread. Our friends, family, co-workers may have experienced too much heartache or not enough connection during this holiday. So, today, share grace and compassion with others. Give them a bit of time to reacclimate to post-holiday life and let them know that you’re there for them. Being Present is the BEST gift.
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So, we bit the bullet and hosted Edison’s birthday party at ChuckECheese this weekend. What would have been an overwhelming experience (for both him and me, seriously!) became very manageable, thanks to Paige, our birthday host! She made the experience go by smoothly, which allowed us to enjoy his birthday party. Kudos to chuckecheese.com and Paige! We just might party there again!
One way to bring a restless mind back to center is to use a technique called “Five Senses”. It is a grounding exercise that helps one focus on what is in the immediate instead of the past or the future. Try it when you are feeling frazzled, anxious, frustrated or unfocused.
Take a deep breath. Hold it for 1…2…3…seconds. Release it: 3…2…1
Focus on your surroundings. Name 5 things you can see. Name them out loud. “I see the painting on the wall…I see the red chair…”
What do you hear? Name 4 things that you can hear. Name them out loud. “I hear the scraping of the chair…I hear a door close…”
Name 3 things that you can feel. Name them out loud. “I feel my sweater on my skin…I feel the sweat on my forehead…”
Name 2 things that you can smell. Name them out loud. “I smell the scent of my lotion…I smell the air freshener…” If you can not smell anything, name two favorite smells.
Lastly, name 1 thing that you can taste. Name it out loud. “I taste my peppermint…” If you can not smell anything, name your favorite taste.”
Now that you have completed the exercise, breath. Hold for 3…2…1. Release it: 3…2…1.
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I am grateful for parents and parent in-laws that love spending time with our children. This weekend, my kids enjoyed their time with my parents and I was truly thankful for that.
Calm provides daily meditations that allow you to just BE. Enjoy!
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Cortisol, a fight or flight reaction, makes it hard to pay attention to learning. Very often, practices like movement breaks enable children to get more self-regulated and calmer, and therefore open to a learning experience. -Dr. Pamela Cantor
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My first Lafayette Mom entry, called Jumping In Puddles, was posted this week! I was so apprehensive about how it would be received and am so grateful that it was liked and shared by my wonderful followers! Keep reading, y’all, there’s more to come!
“Breathe here now. There is nothing else to do. There is nowhere else to be…Today, you are enough.” – Jessica Amos
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Are you looking for ways to engage your kids without using TV, iPad or smartphones? Want to engage their listening skills and increase the use of their imaginations? If so, you will love these awesome podcasts for kids!
My kids LOVE this podcast! Story Pirates create riveting adaptations of stories and music written by children from around the world. They celebrate the imaginations of kids by interviewing the writers and highlighting their amazing efforts to make the world a better place. The acting and singing is on point, too!
Mindfulness coach Amy Taylor-Kabbaz embodies true serenity as she takes children on imaginative yet relaxing journeys before bed. Using simple yet effective breathing exercises and meditation techniques, she helps my boys relax and mentally prepare to rest. Edison rarely stays awake for an entire episode!
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The diversity of culture that makes Lafayette, LA the amazing city it is gives me a deep sense of gratitude. Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market this week participated with FoodDay.org to introduce us to amazing treats from around the world while filling the atmosphere with music inspired by the Cajun culture embedded in the fibers of Louisiana. I am thankful that our kids can experience international community on any given Saturday here in Lafayette!
A Practice in Mindfulness: Imagine you were standing in a field of wheat as thunder clouds rolled in. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you taste? What emotions are you experiencing?
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DON’T FORGET!! This FREE Online event begins on OCT 16 – 20, 2019! This Summit is focused on Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning, identifying ways for parents, educators and other professionals to provide healthy, safe environments for children. You can watch the videos any time between the date above, at your convenience!
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Finding a hairstylist that can consider your child’s sensory challenges in Lafayette wasn’t as easy that I thought. However, we lucked up when found Julie Pastor at La Famille Hair Salon on Congress Street! She worked wonders with Edison; he enjoyed the experience and looks awesome! Thank you, guys! You have definitely earned a loyal customer!
