Wellbeing Hub
This past term we began implementing Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) practices around the school. BSEM is an evidenced-based practice that informs classroom teaching using five pedagogical lenses to improve student wellbeing: Body, Stamina, Engagement, Character and anchored by Relationship. Although there is no single recipe for classroom success, we are striving to unify our language, modelling and relationships to meet the needs of all our students at St Joseph’s School Cobram.
The first strategy we are using comes from the domain: Body. This domain is all about recognising when we are dysregulated (not able to participate well or with full thinking capacity) and how we can manage ourselves to become regulated and ‘Ready to Learn’. We have a ‘Ready to Learn’ check in station in each classroom and every teacher and LSO are using this language to identify students who may need support to self-regulate. Self-regulation needs to be taught and practised (like any skill) so that we can learn to manage our reactions and behaviour. We have also created a safe space in each classroom with ideas/objects that every student can access when needed.
WHY are we focusing on self-regulation? Learning can be stressful. Learning involves risk-taking in front of peers, being challenged academically, as well as demands of life or learning needs that may heighten the stress response already observed in school. Teachers are helping students to understand how their brain works and how we can achieve our best learning by supporting our emotional needs in school.
A great way to help your child regulate at home is to listen and share in their feelings of the day - the highs, the lows, the in-betweens. Modelling appropriate responses to social situations and talking about how others might be feeling will also help your child to develop positive social skills. Having consistent routines (especially around bedtime) will help your child to feel safe and secure, supporting their regulation.
For more information about the Berry Street Education Model or how to support your children with self-regulation, please chat to our friendly wellbeing team or visit:
Berry Street Education Model Information