#selfreg

[nev87]

My current situation! Reading and reviewing both of these! The body is super interesting! Funny enough, these 2 reading materials go hand in hand! #selfreg #brainhealth #ditchandswitch #chemicalfree #limbicsystem #aromatherapy #stress #fightorflight #essensialoils #chemicalcocktails #yourbrainisimportant https://www.instagram.com/p/BtH8C-dggwi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ew8odftogtj6

[hellomsburch]

Back to School!

This year I am working as a substitute teacher at all the schools in Hay River: a primary school, an elementary/intermediate school, a high school, a French-language school, and Chief Sunrise, the school where I taught last year.

This first week back, I was able to work in the high school class with students I know from last year, and in the French maternelle (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten aged students. I was struck both by how incredibly different the two sets of students were, but also by how much they have in common.

It seemed that most behaviour issues in both groups stem from not having a clear understanding of expectations, desperately wanting to be independent, difficulty navigating social relationships, and emotions that were too big to be self-regulated without help. With both groups, it was important to be calm, to co-regulate and offer support, to restate rules and expectations, to model clearly what needs to be done, and to be warm and kind.

I was nervous going into the kindergarten class, both because it has been a long time since I’ve practiced my French, but also because I’ve never worked with students so young. The problems are a little simpler at that level (more zippers and shoes are tough, than peer-pressure and inappropriate texting), but the emotions, the fears, and the uncertainties are the same. Big emotions, and not enough tools to use to get through it all.

I’m glad that I had the experience of my year at Chief Sunrise, an amazing school with a heavy focus on self-regulation and giving students what they need when they need it. I feel like it has made me a stronger, more mindful, more receptive person, and it has given me the tools to help students of all ages as their temporary teacher. I’m also glad to have had the chance to work with the 3 and 4 year olds I met yesterday. I’ve always thought of myself as a high school teacher, that primary students are way too intimidating to handle... but they’re really not so bad! I feel like I’ve already fallen in love with the little ones I just met yesterday. Looking forward to meeting more kids this year!