Building Resiliency in Teachers and Students
The 4 steps of A Better Day Curriculum have been applied by teachers and providers throughout the United States and 5 other countries since 2004. We have found that one of the advantages of integrating these steps into daily life is reducing stress and building resiliency in both teachers and students alike. But what does that mean, exactly? What is this thing we are calling resiliency and why has this become so critical in education?
The definition of resilience, according to the Oxford Languages, is the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult situations. Educators, counselors and interventionists are finding that over the past 2 decades, resiliency in many adults and certainly in children of all ages has waned over time. This means that when we address the subject of resiliency, we must focus on what happens when as a society, we have a significantly reduced ability to withstand and recover quickly from difficult situations. And this begs the question: Can we conclude that this lack leads to increased instances of suicide, increased need to medications to calm anxiety, and increased propensity toward acting out, including violent behavior.
When we have developed the ability to cope with life, we are less likely to turn our frustrations inward, outward or to reach the point of needing medications to feel “normal”.
There are a number of theories on why resiliency is so lacking in both children and adults. A big part of the problem is protecting our children from facing consequences of their actions, even from a young age. On the opposite end of the spectrum, consistent trauma in day-to-day life and not having the resources to address and heal the traumas can be just as damaging to our resiliency. Lack of self-care, mind, body and spirit adds to the problem as can a lack of focus or purpose and an overall negative outlook. Boredom is said to be a significant contributor to drug abuse in our young people.
Is there a solution? There are a variety of interventions that can support our ability to handle life challenges effectively. According to research from the Mayo Clinic, connection with other human beings, self-care and maintaining a positive outlook are key components. A Better Day Curriculum provides tools that encourage connection between teacher/provider and student, and allows us to assess the mind/body needs of a student by using the Learning Temperament test. As we apply the Better Day tools, a more positive outlook on behalf of teacher and student has been the consistent outcome.
Visit A Better Day Curriculum to learn more. As we build resiliency in our society through education, only good things can happen: academically, socially and emotionally for all concerned.
