Charlotte Verity Professional Learning (School Based)

Understanding Behaviour and Responding Safely: MOE Staff Workshop 19/8/23 Full presentation  Understanding behaviour: we can only see the tip of the ice berg...what might be hidden?  History, perceptions, physiological things (e.g. sleep, food intolerances etc), psychological, personality (including propensity to worry), preceptions, cultural background and migration experiences, neurodiverse profiles.. Flat affect - A person with flat affect has no – or nearly no – emotional expression. It is important to know about children's background and connect with those who need it as/how/when they need it. Survival loop & threat processing  Some students are in a state of high alert, monitoring their environment for potential threats. These children are more likely to interpret neutral faces or situations as threats....this can cause a flight, fright or freeze reaction. It is important to have a shield around shame When people distract from feelings of shame/badness by l...

 Presentation by Nathalie Doering, much informed by Bruce Perry and his studies. Trauma : experience/s that have enduring negative impact/s.  Attachment can be... * Secure  * Ambivalent : can come across as controlling * Avoidant : withdrawn, reluctant to ask for help * Disorganised  The Neuro- Sequential Model The response we can take to assist children... 1. Centre (regulate) 2. Connect (relate) 3. Communicate (reason) Every positive interaction children have can help them heal. Recognise the need of the child, from a trauma perspective, before working with (or reprimanding) a child. Address that need before expecting a shift in behaviour. Remember ...lots of co-regulation may be required over months or years, before self-regulation is possible. Respond with Curiosity Will my response break or build trust? What do I hope to gain by this response? Is my response helpful and trauma-informed? What will / can my response model to the child? Core Beliefs Identify your c...

The brain develops layers in this order: 1. Brain stem = survival mechanisms 2. Movement system  3. Limbic system = emotion 4. Prefrontal cortex: governs academic aspects (e.g. literacy, maths) and control. This is the final stage of development.  Interesting Facts The more a child is spoken to between the age of 0-1 years, the faster their brain development.   Girls’ brains develop faster than boys The average age of brain development (full growth) is around 27 years BUT it can be anywhere between 18 and in the 30s. When survival brain (brain stem) is in operation (e.g. because of worry, fear or a primal need e.g. being hungry), the pre-frontal cortex is less able to operate. To calm brain spine: connect with someone who is trusted. The number one thing that drives outcomes (cognitive and social) is the relationship with the teacher (dyadic relationship). To calm the movement system: have a pattern (routine) – flexible but regular. Ch...