Self-Regulation in the Woods

Self-Regulation in the Woods

If you were to visit some Heritage Woods classrooms you would notice they are looking less traditional in their layout and décor. You might notice fewer florescent lights and rows of desks, more plants and couches, and maybe even a stationary bike!

Why these changes? Many studies are indicating that teens today are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. A growing body of research is showing that focusing only on academic achievement and ignoring the social and emotional health of our children is not serving them well. Educational researchers like Angela Duckworth are finding that the single biggest factor in predicting a child’s future success is not IQ or grades, but qualities like grit and positive risk-taking. If they have not developed ways of coping with stress, teenagers today are finding it quite difficult to successfully pursue their life goals.

A group of Heritage Woods educators has been meeting monthly to discuss how to implement self-regulation strategies in their classrooms and around the school. We are exploring ways to create environments that help students feel calm and ready to learn. Brain research shows that when our brains are anxious, there is very little information that can pass into the prefrontal cortex where learning takes place. Changing the physical environment of the classroom is one of the simplest ways to implement self-regulation strategies. As a pilot school for self-regulation, Heritage Woods has had the privilege of hearing Brenda Whittam-Neary speak as well as tour the school to give expert advice.

Phones…gosh, how do we deal with this one?

Tips- It’s all about education. Try to keep conversations going with your teens. Avoid power struggles at all cost. Model, Model, Model. It is really hard but important to model face to face interactions. If your teen is talking to you, make a conscious effort to stop what you are doing and look at them. Even if you set this goal for 5 minutes a day it will make a huge difference. Teenagers may act like they don’t care, but the truth is they need you more now than ever before.

We learned something new from our Port Moody Police Liaison Officer recently. Vault Apps…What? That’s correct…your kids may be masking the content on their phones with the use of Vault Apps. Instead of engaging in a power struggle, surprise them with the knowledge that you are aware and talk about why that may be needed. More and more students are not aware of images they have on their phones and the liability that comes with them. It’s important to educate them about the possession and distribution of pictures even if it is amongst friends. Screen shots are easy records to obtain.

If you search “Vault Apps” under the App Icon (blue) you will see a laundry list of possibilities. In some cases, kids will have two calculator icons on their phone. One is the vault wherein they enter in their passcode for entry.