A guide to the intersection of trauma and special needs, featuring strategies teachers can use to build resilience and counter the effects of trauma on learning and behavior. Childhood trauma is a national health crisis. As many as two out of every three children in any classroom across the country have experienced some form of trauma. Meanwhile, a recent study in Washington State showed that 80 percent of the children eligible for special education services were exposed to early childhood trauma, which has been linked to developmental disabilities. Add in the fact that Black children are four times more likely to be classified with intellectual disabilities and five times more likely than white students to be classified with an emotional or behavioral disorder, and the already daunting complexity of effectively serving kids with an individualized education program (IEP) becomes overwhelming.This is a whole school problem that requires a whole school solution. All educators in both general and special education should learn how trauma affects the brain and how any resulting atypical neurological and psychological development affects learning and behavior. In Trauma-Informed Teaching and IEPs, trauma expert Melissa Sadin presents strategies for supporting the most vulnerable students in general or special education settings, across grade levels, and across the curriculum. You'll learn to * Understand the effects of childhood trauma on the brain, learning, and behavior. Weave caring into trauma-informed instruction. Apply a trauma-informed lens to crafting IEPs. Conduct trauma-informed functional behavior assessments. Once you understand the effects of trauma on learning and development, you will explore classroom strategies and IEP goals and modifications that can actually help to heal your students.With rich examples and helpful strategies, Trauma-Informed Teaching and IEPs gives teachers the most effective tools to help build resilience for every student, no matter their needs.

Your behaviour is the only behaviour over which you have absolute control. To change your children's behaviour, you first need to change your own. The culture of any home is determined by the parents. If you can remain unflappably calm in the face of every supermarket tantrum and sarcastic eye-roll, order will soon follow. Here, Paul Dix - Britain's leading children's behaviour expert - reveals how to build a culture of calm consistency into your home, starting today. He explains how you really can maintain a sense of Zen-like serenity in the face of even the most chaotic behaviour, from school-gate screaming matches to mealtime childmageddon. And he offers a set of simple strategies for coolly getting the behaviour you want - without a barked instruction, deranged punishment or cold, hard cash-bribe in sight. His tried-and-tested method will change what your child does by first changing what you do. You will never need to raise your voice again.

When it comes to 'The Excludables', it is time to shake up the debate. Students who are excluded from school, and society, are at a higher risk of being incarcerated. They are more likely to have mental health difficulties, special educational needs, live in poverty, have social care involvement and they disproportionately come from certain ethnic groups. This book pulls on all those threads using up to date research and establishes a deeper understanding of how and why these things affect school behaviours. The factors that lead to exclusion are complex, and this book meets that challenge head on, including the kinds of "crunchy bits" that are usually avoided at all costs, such as children who are high in callous-unemotional traits, and trauma-informed approaches in prison education. Written by an experienced educator and behaviour consultant, this book steps away from the worn-out discourse that surrounds behaviour in schools, and away from the notion that educators are the only relevant experts. Get ready to explore genetics, bias, epistemic trust, and the human stress-response system; all examined through the lens of the realities of behavioural challenge faced by educators every day. This is a read that will confront everyone in some way.

A stunning and poignant account of an extraordinary teacher's determination never to abandon a child in need from the internationally bestselling author of 'One Child' and No. 1 bestseller 'Ghost Girl'. Seven-year-old Venus Fox never spoke, never listened, never even acknowledged the presence of another human being in the room with her. Yet an accidental playground 'bump' would release a rage frightening to behold. The school year that followed would prove to be one of the most trying, perplexing, and ultimately rewarding of Torey's career, as she struggled to reach a silent child in obvious pain. It would be a strenuous journey beset by seemingly insurmountable obstacles and darkened by truly terrible revelations. Yet encouraged by sometimes small, sometimes dazzling breakthroughs, as a dedicated teacher, Torey remained committed to helping a 'hopeless' girl, and patiently and lovingly leading her toward the light of a new day.

Torey Hayden returns with this deeply-moving sequel to her first book, One Child (the Sunday Times bestseller). After seven years, Torey is reunited with Sheila, the disturbed 6-year-old she tried to rescue. Sheila was a deeply disturbed six-year-old when she came into Torey Hayden's life - a story poignantly chronicled One Child. The Tiger's Child picks up the story seven years later. Hayden has lost touch with the child she helped to free from a hellish inner prison of rage and silence. But now Sheila is back, now a gangly teenager with bright orange hair - no longer broken and lost, but still troubled and searching for answers. This story of dedication and caring that began in childhood moves into a new and extraordinary chapter that tests the strength and heart of both Sheila and her one-time teacher. In The Tiger's Child the skilled and loving educator answers the call once again to help a child in need through her difficult yet glorious transition into young womanhood.

Young children face daily challenges that require them to cope with stressful situations. Some of these challenges may seem trivial to adults, but to young children unable to regulate their own emotions, they can be problematic. The Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing set, comprising of a story book and companion guide is for use with children aged between 4 and 8 and is a conversation point for educators and parents to open discussions with young children about managing their emotions and coping with problems. In the vibrant and accessible The Lonely Little Cactus storybook, children are introduced to a cactus that feels lonely living in the desert. Through a series of colourful interactions with desert dwellers, the little cactus learns strategies to cope with feelings of loneliness. Both entertaining and educational, the story showcases an array of coping strategies and encourages the reader to try various approaches to managing difficult situations and find strategies that best work for them. The accompanying guidebook uses the evidence-driven Conceptual PlayWorlds model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer to provide supporting classroom- or home-based activities to help children aged between 4 and 8 solve challenges and learn wellbeing concepts through play. Offering imagery-rich scenarios including 20 unique activities, children have an opportunity to experientially grasp wellbeing concepts that can be otherwise difficult to explain. This resource book guides educators through a range of wellbeing activities including: Identifying feelings Coping (social support, problem solving, and self-regulation) Friendships (relationship building, working together, time with friends, social skills) Positive emotions (happiness, joy, doing something you love, enjoyment, fun) Relaxation strategies Belonging and inclusion (working together, collaboration, joining in play, including others) Offering a unique opportunity for children to learn about psychological strategies while being engaged in a beautiful narrative and visually captivating illustrations, this set is the ideal resource for educators, support staff, practitioners and parents looking to help children understand and manage their feelings.

Parents, teachers, carers - whatever our role in a child's life, we all want them to thrive. There are many moments of joy in our relationships with our children: but what about those times we're faced with defiance, disruption and seemingly endless cycles of negativity? Miserable for the child and exhausting for those around them - and almost all completely avoidable. From everyday frustrations to more extreme manifestations, these behaviours may present differently but they are all rooted in one common thread: a need for emotional safety. When a child feels secure and truly heard, their behaviour is transformed. Marie Gentles draws on her decades of expertise supporting children across the behavioural spectrum, along with their parents and teachers, to show us how to establish positive relationships that bring out the best in our children. Using evidence-based research, case studies and her proven methodologies, this book shows you how to: * Establish connection, in order to give the emotional security every child needs to flourish * Take a step back to better understand the feelings behind the behaviour * Embrace even the most 'negative' of emotions * Actively listen to the child and in turn, be heard * See setbacks as positive learning and teaching tools With practical examples of how to prevent struggles before they emerge as well as detailed advice on resetting when you're fire-fighting one explosion after the next, this reassuring guide empowers parents and educators alike. Learn to equip children of all ages to deal with anything life throws at them, building their emotional security in the process - whether they are fifteen months or fifteen years, it's never too late to start.

An Adventure with Childhood Obesity is an exciting storybook and guidebook pair, designed to help readers understand the physical, social and psychological effects of obesity on children and young people. Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray: Wesley had never thought much about his lifestyle or how he looked. He enjoyed eating his way through weekends in front of the telly with his mum. However, fate catapults him to a new life in East Africa and he is forced to face the negative impact that obesity is having on his life. When he rashly promises to climb Mount Kenya along with the rest of his class, an adventure in courage and determination begins ... An exciting and engaging story for children aged 8-12, this book explores some of the challenges faced by obese children. Supporting Childhood Obesity: Providing an easy-to-read introduction to childhood obesity, this guidebook is rooted in current theory, and takes a holistic approach to supporting obese children. Chapters explain the surprisingly complex causes of childhood obesity and highlight that children often have little control over the factors that may lead them to become obese. The physical and psychological consequences of obesity are explored and strategies suggested, ranging from individual and family support, to changes that need to be made at a societal level to tackle this significant public health issue.

This beautifully illustrated and sensitively written storybook and accompanying guide follows the story of the Silent Selkie as she struggles to manage her emotions and come face-to-face with what lies behind her behaviour. The storybook is designed to encourage young people who may have adverse childhood experiences or trauma to develop a greater understanding of how this can affect them, while the supporting guide helps caring adults working with vulnerable children and young people to use the expressive arts to develop greater self-awareness and emotional literacy. No matter their background, this storybook and guide will enable parents, carers, school staff and other professionals working with children and young people to use the arts in a therapeutic way to soothe, support, and provide an outlet for strong emotions.

From the bestselling author duo behind Can You See Me? comes this exceptional portrayal of autism diagnosis, with diary entries by 12-year-old autistic author Libby Scott. Taking place before Can You See Me? and Do You Know Me? this standout prequel follows Tally through her autism diagnosis in her final year of primary school. Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6. Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production - and Tally is convinced she'll win the lead role. But at home, things aren't going so well. Mum and Dad have been making Tally feel pressured and upset, and Tally wishes things didn't bother her so much - but they do, and sometimes she feels so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode. Then Tally's mum and dad tell her about something she's never heard about before. Something called autism. And everything changes. The third book written in collaboration with Libby Scott & prequel to the bestselling Can You See Me? When Libby's mum shared a short piece of Libby's writing online it soon went viral, with tens of thousands of people saying that Libby's writing helped them understand autism for the first time This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time PRAISE FOR CAN YOU SEE ME 'This is a powerful and highly relatable story about fitting in and being yourself. Tally's diary entries give an authentic insight into one girl's perspective of being autistic, and smashing a host of common assumptions and stereotypes about autism as we see Tally's potent sense of humour and her deep empathy.' Booktrust 'Recommended for readers with autism who will feel genuinely seen and for those desiring to see others more clearly' Kirkus

Navigating the world with an ADHD brain can be exhausting. The rollercoaster ride from clinical assessments through diagnosis to treatment can leave you feeling anxious and isolated, worried about failing or feeling different. This handy guide is here to change all that. If you have (or suspect you have) ADHD, you'll know the frustration of being given neurotypical or clinical advice - but this is straight from an ADHD brain to you. The accessible A-Z format, covering everything from burnout and finances to time management and relationships, gives you the tips and confidence you need to reach your full potential. It empowers you to understand why ADHD brains work the way they do and how to harness your unique mind to think creatively and overcome any hurdle life throws at you. Easy to digest and full to the brim with practical life advice including budgeting plans for impulsive spending, advice on rejection sensitive dysphoria and ways to relax, this book provides everything you need to feel confident and supported through your ADHD diagnosis and beyond.

Shift from traditional to alternative discipline that really works As educators face ever-changing discipline laws and regulations coupled with a return to in-person learning, the second edition of Don't Suspend Me! arrives at the perfect time to guide them in everything they need to know to avoid reverting to traditional, exclusionary discipline practices. This user-friendly guidebook helps teachers and administrators use alternative discipline methods to create positive, meaningful, and long-term behavior shifts for students. Inside you'll find An updated alternative discipline toolkit with additional easy-to-use tools, templates, and processes Methods for addressing traditional beliefs and pushback from stakeholders Recommendations for bringing policy to practice Case studies, examples, and lessons learned from educators in the field who successfully used the first edition Examples of the 13 most suspendable offenses and the appropriate responses and interventions to help change student behavior for the long term Organized to help educators implement alternative discipline, this updated edition frames discipline in a practical and effective way that aligns with research, changes in educational law, and-above all else-equity in school discipline.

Using CBT and Mindfulness to Manage Student Anxiety provides a weekly framework utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to support children who are struggling with anxiety. The book begins with an overview of CBT and mindfulness practices and their use in supporting worry. The 9 weekly sessions are broken down into a ready-to-use lesson complete with an assessment tool, clinician notes for added depth, , and a template to support generalization of learning with teachers and guardians . Lessons are focused on connection, building an awareness of emotions, and increasing the student's capacity to regulate their emotions in a variety of ways. The last portion of the book offers opportunities to continue generalization of emotion regulation skills in the classroom and at home. Providing practitioners with a ready to go structured lesson plan that builds with each session and tools to assess progress and growth, this book will be a welcome addition to any school-based mental health professional's library.

Pupils who survive multiple traumatic experiences of loss, trauma, abuse and neglect can easily be misunderstood in our schools, despite our good intentions. Such children often underachieve, at worst becoming excluded from the very place that could offer them an opportunity for "second chance learning" and for reaching their potential. These children do not respond well or consistently to behavioural modification techniques, nor are they able to thrive in a system largely created for those from a "good-enough" background. Louise Bomber's innovative and easy to use strategies provide teachers and teaching assistants with new perspectives, practical tools and the confidence for supporting these children. Her work is based on the latest research from child development and Attachment theory (Bowlby), as well as many years of solid practical experience as a teacher-therapist working within education and social services with children, families and schools. Contents include: providing an additional attachment figure in schools, transitions during the school day, permanency and constancy, regulating arousal levels, wondering aloud, lowering the effects of shame, creating home/school partnerships, working with the transition from primary to secondary phase, and more.

* Best-selling authors who run hugely popular training sessions * Follows the worldwide focus on social and emotional wellbeing * The market for easy to use, relevant programmes to develop social-emotional-behavioural skills is growing rapidly * Will also be of interest to those working with autistic children * International appeal

Tally is autistic and proud. She used to feel like she had to hide her autism, but now Tally is determined to make sure people see who she really is. But now Tally has a new worry - her school trip. And that means new places, new people and new challenges. She quickly falls in with the popular girls and is grateful that they don't make a big deal about her autism, but it's not long before Tally realises that, while the girls are popular, they aren't very kind. With a jolt Tally understands that she's not the only one who's been made to feel like she has to hide her true self. But will she find the strength to stand up for herself and the people she knows are being treated unfairly, or will she stay quiet? And will Tally ever find her people? The second book written in collaboration with Libby Scott When Libby's mum shared a short piece of Libby's writing online it soon went viral, with tens of thousands of people saying that Libby's writing helped them understand autism for the first time This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time BOOKS BY LIBBY SCOTT AND REBECCA WESTCOTT Can You See Me? (2019) Do You Know Me? (2020) Ways To Be Me (2021)

Relationship-Based Learning provides a helpful range of accessible strategies, approaches, practical ideas and guidance on how to implement 'behaviour for learning' for children with social, emotional and mental health issues, as well as those at risk of exclusion from school. This essential resource explores the conceptual framework of Ellis & Tod's highly effective 'behaviour for learning' conceptual framework, with each chapter featuring practical strategies and foundations that can be used at an organisational or whole-school level, as well as in the classroom. It includes tried-and-tested structures and strategies which have been proven to improve the learning and behaviour of children. The implementation of the 'behaviour for learning' framework has been evidenced to have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning with outstanding and, in some cases, exceptional outcomes for all learners. The strategies and approaches explored in this book are relevant for teaching children in any school or alternative provision, especially those with social, emotional and mental health needs. Relationship-Based Learning is a must-read for practitioners, senior leaders, teachers and support staff, outreach services and multi-agency staff who are committed to improving outcomes for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Each chapter will include key words, further reading and advice on applying ideas Australian school team leaders will have access to a single handbook which provides examples of feasible ideas to inform implementation to share with educators Several case studies will be used throughout Australian technical assistance teams will have persuasive local evidence to inform their training International researchers & implementers will learn about successful innovations & applications

Utilize restorative practices to create a safe, accepting, and equitable school climate where learning can flourish. When students have unfinished learning, educators create opportunities for students to learn. Unfortunately, this role seems to end when it comes to behavior. How can we turn behavior into a teachable moment? The Restorative Practices Playbook details a set of practices designed to teach prosocial behaviors based on strong relationships and a commitment to the well-being of others. Implementing restorative practices establishes a positive academic and social-emotional learning environment while building students' capacity to self-regulate, make decisions, and self-govern-the very skills students need to achieve. In this eye-opening, essential playbook, renowned educators Dominique Smith, Douglas Fisher, and Nancy Frey support educators with the reflection prompts, tools, examples, and strategies needed to create restorative practices around several key concepts: A restorative school culture, grounded in respect, that builds agency and identity, establishes teacher credibility, sets high expectations, and fosters positive relationships Restorative conversations that equip adults and students with the capacity to resolve problems, make decisions, and arrive at solutions in ways that are satisfactory and growth-producing Restorative circles that promote academic learning through dialogue, build consensus in decision making, and help participants reach resolution through healing Formal restorative conferences that foster guided dialogue between victim(s) and offender(s) and include plans for re-entry into the school community By becoming adept in the skillful use of restorative practices, educators will foster equitable discipline that reduces exclusion and creates a school community driven by relationships and respect.

The Hero's Mask is an engaging novel about Carrie, an eleven-year old girl and her friends who work together to stop the bullies picking on their classmates as they unravel mysteries in their school. The novel traces Carrie's discovery of strengths within herself, her family and her friends, despite losses and hardships in her family, and how Carrie is inspired by a new teacher who helps her learn the secrets of heroes. The Hero's Mask is a story about children and parents/caregivers overcoming fears and healing the wounds separating a mother and daughter, both scarred by traumatic grief. This book is also available to purchase alongside a guidebook as part of the two-component set, The Hero's Mask: Helping Children with Traumatic Stress. This essential resource provides a resiliency-focused guide for promoting trauma-informed schools and child and family services to help children and families experiencing traumatic stress.

A vital resource, this set comprising a storybook and adult resource guide is designed for working with children aged 4-9 to manage the big feelings they may have in relation to hidden fears and anxieties. In the quirky and accessible Who’s Afraid of the Monster? storybook, children are introduced to a monster who nobody has seen or heard and a King who pretends to be brave but is in fact very scared. The story shows how, often, the big feelings elicited by the unknown are scarier than the thing itself, and how to manage the feelings associated with these fears. The companion guidebook for use by adults working with children, is divided into three easy to follow parts. Part 1 presents the theory behind how and why big feelings in children arise and how creative art and drama can help. Part 2 contains activities and exercises with photocopiable instructions, as well as a list of resources for each activity and guidelines for safe working. Part 3 offers further activities and ways in which to exploit the story such as discussion points, plays and models. Underpinned by substantiated theory into the stages of children’s emotional development, it offers realistic solutions for parents, carers, teachers, and classroom assistants who simply do not have the time or resources to attend to their children’s very real but hard-to-verbalise fears. Together, the storybook and guidebook offer the following: • A quirky and amusing tale for adults to read to children • A relatable story about big feelings which makes the child stop and think • Easy to follow and implement, photocopiable creative arts activities • A way of addressing the anxiety and fear of the unknown within children’s mental health following the pandemic and other relevant issues • Hope and support for carers of overly anxious children. Taking a creative approach using universal characters, this is the ideal resource for educators, support staff, practitioners and parents looking to help children understand and manage the big feelings associated with their fear of the unknown.

Wesley had never thought much about his lifestyle or how he looked. He enjoyed eating his way through weekends in front of the telly with his mum. However, fate catapults him to a new life in East Africa and he is forced to face the negative impact that obesity is having on his life. When he rashly promises to climb Mount Kenya along with the rest of his class, an adventure in courage and determination begins . . . This entertaining story explores some of the challenges faced by obese children and young people. It highlights both the physical limitations as well as the psychological problems associated with obesity, such as social isolation and low mood. The story explores the complicated web of factors that might cause a child to become obese and identifies some of the life-altering changes that can come from a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Teaching lessons about kindness, friendship, bravery and determination, this is powerful reading for all children. It operates as a stand-alone story and is also available as part of a set along with a supporting guide.