SEL IV - Responding to Trauma and Reactivity

In our SEL IV – Responding to Trauma and Reactivity training last week we learned how to respond proactively versus react automatically to triggers in the “heat of the moment” by applying some self-regulation and self-compassion techniques:

-S.T.O.P. – Stop, Take a Breath, Observe your thoughts, emotions and sensations, Proceed with kindness and care

-T.H.I.N.K. before you speak – ask yourself is it True, Helpful, Informed, Necessary and Kind

-Apply the R.A.I.N. exercise by Tara Brach when you are facing a challenging situation, or working with feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt

Recognize what is going on;

Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;

Investigate with interest and care;

Nurture with self-compassion.

We also practiced the seven steps of interactive modeling in the Afternoon Meeting Greeting. Check out this video of  Forest Hill Elementary Afterschool practitioners acting out their Greeting!

As a follow up to the training, please note some important reminders below:

1.     Share ONE artifact (story, picture of video clip) of an SEL practice or skill you applied from your SEL Implementation Plan and post it in the OST SEL Academy GroupMe Forum – our virtual community space to implementation of SEL practices – by February 25, 2019 – This is a requirement to earn your certificate.

2.     Visit the PSELI resources page and enter the password “selacademy” for more tools: https://pselipbc.org/ost-sel-academy-resources

3.    Practice self-awareness and stress reduction tools daily for 3-7 minutes and record your experience in your Daily Practice Log

4.     Contact Michelle Beatty from SEDNET at michelle.beatty@palmbeachschools.org to schedule a Trauma-Informed Care staff presentation or to access district resources to support youth experiencing trauma.