Make It Make Sense

ResourcesCheck-in Questions:How are you feeling given current circumstances?How are you planning to care for yourself… (in the face of continued news, responsibilities you think about as a teacher,.. as you continue your work in supporting  schools)? >>> modeling for students Best practice for conducting check-ins: Being intentional about designing questions and think about when and how you would like to ask and allow students to respond Recommend: collaborate with colleagues Teach expectations for how students can respondPrepare to share resources with students at the end of check-in -- to receive further mental support such as counseling Children's Hospital LA Guide for Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings in the news Suggestions for talking to your children from LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho:Families, it is difficult but necessary to talk to your children about this devastating massacre. Please consider the following suggestions:Have conversations with your children about any worries and concerns they may have as a first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with tragic or disturbing events.Check in with your children and monitor for any signs of fear or stress.Monitor conversations. Children may overhear conversations and could “fill in the gaps,” which can lead to further stress.Be present for your children. Provide extra time, attention and patience (an extra hug or a few encouraging words will go a long way).Seek professional help if you or your children are feeling overwhelmed.

We invite your feedback & suggestions to [email protected] special thank you to Jesus Nunez & Gerardo Loera for supporting this passion project. A very special thank you to Maria Chan for so candidly sharing her insights as a parent & educator.

We (Sharon & Yvette) have been on hiatus a looooong time but we are super excited to announce that we are dropping our first episode of season 2 THIS FRIDAY! We can’t wait to take a seat with you later this week under the equity umbrella. Until then Here is a sneak peak of Friday’s episode titled Make it Make Sense where our guest Maria Chan instructional Data coordinator tries to make sense of a recent parenting fail.

Email us your questions & suggestions at: [email protected] 

Resources mentioned in this episode:USC Article: Parental Loss Increase of up to 20%Neuro Sequential ModelFeelings ChartsHow to check-in videoCheck-in QuestionsCheck-in planning template

We  always welcome your questions & feedback. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] 

  Resources/Links shared in this episode:Email us your questions for our future episode on homelessness at [email protected] LinksUCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools ReportLA Daily News Article on LAUSD & SEHLAUSD Student Support HotlineTips for Educators Homeless Education OfficeLAUSD Homeless Education WebsiteStudent Housing Questionnaire EnglishStudent Housing Questionnaire SpanishFamily Resources During School Closures EnglishFamily Resources During School Closures SpanishLocal District East Homeless Education Office Resource GuideLAUSD Sponsor A Family FlyerLocal District East Administrator schedule PD on Homelessness for your school with Monica Santana  [email protected]   (213)202-7517

Resources included in this episode:Activity ideas for celebrating the holidays with your studentsDesign your own ugly sweater activity or contestHave students create a playlist with their favorite holiday songsScavenger hunt holiday editionDrawing contest or drawing challengeDigital Thank-You cardhttps://www.canva.com/Virtual potluck---bring your fav holiday foodLinksThe Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Celebrating the HolidaysThe Global Wellness InstituteLAUSD Mental Health ResourcesShare your classroom holiday activitie ideas with us at [email protected] 

Resources shared in this episode:Educator's Toolkit for Racial JusticeElection RJ Community Building CircleLAUSD's Elections Psychological First Aid For Families (Eng & Spanish)For StaffNPR Article:Election Stress Getting To You? 4 Ways To Keep CalmHeadSpace Article: Election & Anxiety & How to CopeLAUD Mental Health Support Hotlines

Yvette Fraga is the MTSS Advisor for the Huntington Park, Walnut Park, & Vernon Community of Schools.  If you are a teacher  working in this community of schools and would like support feel free to reach out to her at [email protected] Lee is the MTSS Advisor for the South Gate Community of Schools.  If you are a teacher  working in this community of schools and would like support feel free to reach out to her at [email protected] Citations from this episode include:Definition for microaggression from NPRDefinition for micro affirmations from brown.eduWebsite for LAUSDWebsite for Local District EastWebsite for South Gate Community of SchoolsWebsite for Huntington Park Community of Schools