Teachers Forum| October '09

How to Create Ron Huberman's 'Culture of Calm' through RtI Strategies and Yoga

Q "I have recently read that Ron Huberman (CEO of Chicago Public Schools) wants to create a "culture of calm" in the classrooms of Chicago. What could this look like for me as a fourth grade teacher in a high need area?" - CPS, Fourth Grade Teacher

A As a former classroom teacher and administrator, I applaud Mr. Huberman for recognizing the connection between student behavior and academic achievement. I believe that one of his motivations for creating a "culture of calm" in CPS may be to lower incidents of violent behavior amongst some students. However, I also believe to make meaningful and proactive change in school culture we need to focus on more than only our Tier 3 RtI students that typically commit violent acts in schools.

Self-Awareness is Needed to Self-Regulate

I strongly believe the more all our students become of aware of what triggers their behavior the more they are able to make more positive choices in the classroom. As teachers and classroom managers, it is our responsibility to not only teach our students the tools to be productive and behave and in our individual classes, but in the classroom of life as well.

Give Students Life Long Skills at Managing Stress & Anger in Healthy, Effective Ways

Stress and anger-management are life long learning tools we give our students to succeed in school, with peers and beyond the classroom doors. A true "culture of calm" in CPS will require a commitment to model these practices by teachers and the diversification of self-regulation and relaxation strategies to meet the varying needs of our student population.

Take it Slow, Start with Breathing Exercises

To add activities that foster student self-awareness and regulation into your fourth grade classroom, begin slowly. Try to begin and end each day consistently by modeling a simple breathing or relaxation activity. Sun-Rise Breath, S.E.L.F. Breath & Memory Minute are all activities from my book, Student Wellness in 8-10 Minutes Each Day, that are great tools to foster self-awareness in students.

Have Students Reflect on a Quiet Mind

Also, encourage students to journal and prioritize their own feeling of a 'quiet mind.' Given that this is mostly likely a new practice for your students, be patient and model the behavior appropriately, consistently and mindfully for your students.

- Question Answered By: Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices

Teachers Forum| October '09

Self-Awareness is Needed to Self-Regulate

Give Students Life Long Skills at Managing Stress & Anger in Healthy, Effective Ways

Take it Slow, Start with Breathing Exercises

Have Students Reflect on a Quiet Mind

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