How are you holding up? If you're feeling a bit frazzled and wondering if you've forgotten how to manage classroom behaviour, you're not alone. This year's been a tough one, hasn't it? The kids seem to have more complex needs than ever, and some days it feels like you're running on empty. But hang in there - you're doing better than you think.
Let's chat about a framework that might just make your life a bit easier: EMPOWERS.
Don't worry, it's not another complicated system to learn. Think of it as a friendly reminder of all the things you already know are important, just packaged in a way that's easier to remember when your brain feels like mush at the end of the day.
So, what's EMPOWERS all about?
E - Environment: This is all about the space around us. Maybe it's time for a little rejig to make it meet the children where they're currently developmentally at. Sometimes, just moving a few things around or creating a cozy corner can make a world of difference for children and you.
M - Movement: We're seeing more and more children climbing couches and furniture indoor these days. More and more children sitting floppy at mat time, or slouched while trying to learn scissors. Building in some movement throughout the day can help burn off that excess energy that often turns into challenging behaviour, and also build up their fundamental coordination skills.
P - Play schema: This is just a fancy way of saying "how kids play". Understanding this can give you some brilliant insights into why they do what they do.
O - Organisation: This one's about helping kids (and ourselves) stay on top of things. Clear routines and expectations at the childrens' developmental level can be a lifesaver when everything feels a bit topsy-turvy.
W - Wellbeing: We all know how we act when we're stressed or upset. Kids are no different. Supporting their emotional wellbeing can work wonders for behaviour for all of your community.
E - Energy (Arousal): Ever noticed how some kids are bouncing off the walls while others are falling asleep? Managing energy levels throughout the day can help keep things on an even keel. We help you learn how.
R - Relationships: In a world of screens and social distancing, good old-fashioned connections are more important than ever. Strong relationships can be your secret weapon in supporting childrens' behaviour.
S - Sensory processing: Some kids are sensitive to noise, others can't sit still. Understanding sensory needs can help you create a more comfortable environment for everyone.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Great, another thing to add to my never-ending to-do list." But here's the thing: you're probably already doing a lot of this stuff. EMPOWERS is just a way to remind us to look at the whole picture when a child's behaviour is challenging us.
So, next time little Johnny is having a meltdown, instead of thinking "What's wrong with this kid?", try asking yourself:
Is there something in the Environment triggering this, or is something lacking in the Environment that Johnny's nervous system needs right now?
Does he need some Movement, and we need to open up the doors to outside?
Is this related to his Play preferences (enjoying watching towers crash and fall, hiding objects in kitchen cupboards, tearing paper because it feels good)?
Would more Organisation help for Johnny's routines and belongings at kindergarten and/or at home?
How is his Wellbeing? Are his emotional needs being met? Is he getting enough quality food and sleep?
What's his Energy level like?
Are our Relationships strong with Johnny at home or in our kindergarten community? Does he feel like he's connected to the tribe? Or is he feeling nervous of rejection?
Could there be a Sensory issue at play?
It might sound like a lot, but with practice, it becomes second nature. And the best part? It works. It helps you see beyond the behaviour to the child underneath, which is why we all got into this role in the first place, right?
Remember, you've got this. You're doing important work, even on the days when it feels like nothing's going right. The EMPOWERS framework is just here to support you, to give you a fresh perspective when you need it most.
Here is a handout that goes into this in more detail - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kBnGT10d5Hg7XoyYyqw5Wp0Is-4nnmNM/view?usp=sharing
And if you're keen to learn more about how to put EMPOWERS into practice, we've got a webinar recording that breaks it all down. It's called "Mastering Behaviour Support Plans", and it's designed with tired, overwhelmed educators like us in mind.
It might just be what you need to regain your confidence and remember why you love teaching.
Hang in there!. Tomorrow's another day, and with EMPOWERS in your toolkit, you're more than ready for whatever it brings.
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