Category: Tips & Tools

  • Co-Regulation Supports Parents and Their Children

    Co-Regulation Supports Parents and Their Children

    Have you ever been in a long line at the grocery store with your toddler on the brink of a tantrum? You are not alone. Our society teaches parents that children are meant to obey adults, which leaves parents feeling frustrated when their children are unable to obey due to big emotions. As we learn…

  • Teaching Brain Science Demystifies Emotions and Behaviors

    Teaching Brain Science Demystifies Emotions and Behaviors

    One way to deepen your understanding of behavior and emotions is to learn, and help your students learn, about brain science. When one of your students melts down and it turns into a domino-effect meltdown for multiple other students in your class, it can feel defeating. When we understand the basics of how the brain…

  • How Educators Can Co-Create Equitable Learning Communities

    This month, we are highlighting the transformative work of Matthew Reynolds (they/he/we). We met Matthew through our work with schools and districts in Southern Oregon. Since that time, we have had the opportunity to get to know them through their work as an equity consultant with our district partner, the Southern Oregon Education Service District.…

  • Engage Kids in Problem Solving

    Family meetings are a powerful tool to build the life skills that we want our children to have.  Holding family meetings helps children learn empathy, cooperation, mutual respect, and effective, solution-focused problem solving.  The consistent practice of gathering as a family, giving and receiving compliments, and solving problems helps families run more smoothly and builds…

  • 8 Ways to Start the New School Year on a Positive Note

    September is half over, and whether this summer was relaxing or stressful (or a combination of both!), it is time to accept that it is coming to an end. Your kids (and you) are probably feeling a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and maybe even dread as the new school year gets underway. For the transition…

  • Focus on Routines this New School Year

    Are you feeling a variety of emotions, from anxiety to fear to joy, as the school gets underway? Transitions are always challenging. But we may be feeling it even more given that the last four years were extremely unpredictable for school communities. We invite educators to focus on building routines as young people get settled into…

  • Ideas for Parents & Caregivers to Celebrate the End of the School Year with Their Kids

    Ten months of packing lunches, checking homework, and ensuring your kids get out the door before the school bus or carpool leaves! It’s time to celebrate! In our fast-paced culture, it can be easy to forget to commemorate big moments and transitions, such as the transition from the end of the school year to summer…

  • Celebrating and Reflecting on the End of the School Year

    Celebrating and Reflecting on the End of the School Year

    You made it! Closing the school year out with some rituals and appreciations helps us reflect on all the growth and memories you and your students have made this year. There is so much anticipatory energy present at the end of the school year, and it’s important to look back at your classroom and school…

  • Easy Ways to Appreciate & Celebrate Yourself and Your Coworkers

    Easy Ways to Appreciate & Celebrate Yourself and Your Coworkers

    In our opinion, educators have one of the hardest jobs in the country. For educators who have been navigating challenging behaviors all year and still showing up day after day, we see you. For educators that are tired and frustrated, we appreciate you. For the educators that find hope in the small wins with students,…

  • Parents & Families Can Show Appreciation for Educators All Year Long

    Parents & Families Can Show Appreciation for Educators All Year Long

    We appreciate educators year-round for all their hard work, and in May, Teacher Appreciation Week gives us a chance to celebrate them and show educators how much we value them! Through COVID-19 scares, virtual teaching, and returning to in-person school, educators have remained nimble and dedicated in serving our students and families. Here are a…