School Age Training: Teaching for a Continuum of Personality – Attention Regulation, Impulse Control and Sensory Sensitivity

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!” - Dr. Seuss

And such was the tone of our October school age training, appropriately set by a man who loved learning. Executive director Brenda Dengo playfully recited his words as VHFLC teachers sipped on coffee and tea, quietly anticipating the day’s events. Wisdom from Dr. Seuss was followed by some encouraging and informative words from Brenda. She expressed the value of hardworking staff, and rewarded VHFLC employees of 3+ years with hoodies designed by former VHFLC staff member Sydney Melnick.

Next on the agenda was speaker and Montessori enrichment director, Amy Williams, who came to explain the evolving definition of ‘disorder.' She illuminated differences in perception, and expressed how they all can be accommodated by carefully tailoring a classroom environment or activity.

"The program you have is not yours. It belongs to the children you serve."

Physical activity was discussed as a way of recalibrating or ‘resetting’ a frazzled mind, and the group gave a moment to consider the implications of estrogen versus testosterone on the developing brain. While everyone chewed on this food for thought, Amy brought the concepts to life by asking VHFLC staff to participate in her demonstrations; two teachers volunteered to represent “sensory sensitive” children – and no sooner had they sat down than they were bombarded by an array of creative distractions! Between other staff making dissonant sounds at them, a tag being grazed against their skin, and a flashy Justin Bieber poster dancing in front of their faces, the two were at sixes and sevens.

 

Staff learn the difference between those who are 'Sensory Cravers' and 
those who are 'Sensory Sensitive' ... with a little help from The Beebs.

“Having attention regulation issues is truly an ongoing issue of ‘ok, where am I?’ ‘what is the task at hand?'” said Woodstock teacher Matt G. “Context is extremely important for showing a child what needs to be accomplished.” 

Other staff members volunteered ideas for establishing expectations with children and centering their focus during distracting times. Check lists were mentioned as a simple organizational tool, as was consistently assigning one logic or attention-based task when stress gets out-of-hand. Bridlemile teacher Emily M. helped shed light on this concept by sharing a story about her parents, who asked her to focus on assembling an Eiffel Tower Lego set every time she had a meltdown. “It worked like a charm,” she said. “By the time I sat back and looked my progress, I’d completely forgotten what the original problem was.”

The topics of voice volume and movement regulation were also discussed, during which Amy suggested a 'designated movement area' for fidgety kids, and Atkinson teacher Sam W. mentioned a ‘whisper phone’ for kids who need to learn appropriate volume levels – great tool to have on our radar. On the subject of movement, Amy (who has a background in art and movement therapy) was also wise to engage staff in a little game of dance-tag! VHFLC teachers never turn down an opportunity to learn some new moves.
 

For the next portion of training, the group split up to cover a variety of helpful topics. Some had signed up to get a more in-depth lesson on personality types by Regional Supervisor Cara Haaga, who got her group thinking about observing and catering to the traits of individual students, while others got in tune with their bodies and motion with Regional Supervisor Steven Dobrinski's "Yoga and Movement" lesson. Staff also learned 'pinch-hit' activities with Regional Supervisor Ashley Kersey, and were coached on how to make the best use of group time by Regional Supervisor Jana Cabanban. This was followed with games, science projects and sewing activities for staff to use with their children.
 

Before we moved on to designated time for curriculum discussion and lesson planning, Regional Supervisor Jon Myers spoke about bringing books to life with animated reading and character development. He also took a moment to remind staff that they can order books of varying themes and ethnic/lingual backgrounds through the VHFLC main office.

They nailed the animated reading test. 

Game time: staff learn a trick for honing listening and quick thinking skills – 
a coin flip determines which direction you run. Will they get it right??

Some undeniable effort

Atkinson teacher Ana S. clearly brought her game face to work.

Who's the one choosing what actions the group will do?

Science project delight!

VHFLC would like to give a big thanks to everyone who helped make this a fun and successful training! Check back soon to read about our parent night at North Plains and Brenda Dengo’s “Families Around the World” training, a lesson in families and diversity.