The Ultimate Calming Corners & Fidgets Bootcamp: Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Gifts of Joy

First Presenter’s Email Address

jewelisa@shopgiftsofjoy.com

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Jewelisa Blanks, a respected public speaker and seasoned educator, has devoted her professional life to empowering teachers and students. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Jewelisa spent over seven years serving in the public education sector, fostering a deep understanding of the field over her ten years of educational experience. Leveraging her knowledge and experience, she has drawn on cutting-edge emotional health research to affect meaningful change within the education system. Feeling the call for greater impact, Jewelisa transitioned into a full-time educational consultant role, where she continues to collaborate with administrators and district leaders nationwide. She is committed to restoring the whole educator and child by educating teachers on the power of sensory- informed practices and their direct connection to social-emotional learning. Her reach now extends to over 1,500 schools across the United States, and she has trained more than 5,000 educators in her innovative methodologies. Jewelisa's dedication and influence continue to reshape education and student well-being in schools nationwide.

Location

Session Eight

Strand #1

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Health: Mental & Physical Health

Relevance

This presentation addresses the critical aspect of emotional regulation, a vital component of social and emotional skills. It offers a comprehensive guide on establishing a purposeful Calming Corner and effectively implementing fidgets, both instrumental in assisting students to navigate their emotions and sensory experiences. Creating these spaces is a proactive approach to creating a structured, supportive environment, thus enhancing the overall school climate. It offers a tangible, hands-on strategy for educators to promote emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-regulation among students.

This alignment with the strand emphasizes academic achievement and underscores the significant impact of emotional and social stability in fostering a holistic educational experience for students.

Brief Program Description

An intensive bootcamp on the most effective Calming Corner setup. Learn more than just the dos and don't of fidgets. Become a true expert on fidgets and how you can actually incorporate them into your classroom.

Summary

Participants will explore and master the efficient setup of Calming Corners and the optimal use of fidgets in classrooms. This intensive training fosters emotional and sensory self-regulation among students, highlighting its alignment with enhancing social and emotional skills and boosting the overall school climate.

Participants will be thoroughly guided on the multifaceted categories of fidgets, gaining insights into their varied uses, thus ensuring their effective implementation in classroom environments. The workshop breaks down the do's and don'ts of fidget use, transforming educators into adept facilitators of sensory tools and enhancing their ability to support students in managing their emotions and sensory experiences efficiently.

The training transcends traditional theoretical approaches, encouraging hands-on learning and real-time practice. Educators will acquire practical skills for setting up a well-rounded Calming Corner, a space dedicated to aiding students in emotional self-regulation and mindfulness. This knowledge, paired with continuous support and resources provided during the training, empowers educators to integrate these elements into their daily educational setting, ultimately cultivating a more supportive, inclusive, and calm learning environment.

Furthermore, participants will engage in rich discussions, sharing experiences and strategies, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. This interaction amplifies the learning experience, providing diverse perspectives and fresh insights contributing to a more robust understanding of the topic.

In essence, the "Mastering Mindful Spaces: Fidgets & Calming Corners Workshop" is not just a training session but a transformative experience. It equips educators with practical, applicable knowledge and skills that directly, positively impact their students' emotional and sensory well-being, leading to enhanced academic and social outcomes. Participants will leave the workshop with a wealth of information, tangible tools, and a renewed sense of confidence to effectively navigate and implement sensory and emotional support strategies in their classrooms, contributing to the holistic development of their students.

Evidence

Research by Stalvey and Brasell (2006) evidences the enhancement of focus and attention through fidget tools, leading to augmented academic performance. Bogdashina (2016) and Skorupka (2018) emphasize the crucial role of sensory regulation and calming corners, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, highlighting the positive effects on emotional and sensory self-management. Furthermore, Meiklejohn et al. (2012) underline the significant benefits of mindfulness and emotional regulation practices, similar to those used in calming corners, solidifying the workshop’s foundation in proven, effective strategies for enhancing student and educator resilience and emotional regulation.

Learning Objective 1

The setup of an effective Calming Corner in various locations such as classrooms and/or offices throughout the school building.

Learning Objective 2

Identify the various categories of fidgets and what each category is used for.

Learning Objective 3

Implement practical tips on implementing fidgets and sensory strategies in the classroom.

Keyword Descriptors

Calming Corners, Fidget Tools, Sensory Regulation, Classroom Management, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Attention Enhancement, Autism Support, Tactile Experiences, Student Well-being

Presentation Year

2024

Start Date

3-6-2024 9:15 AM

End Date

3-6-2024 9:45 AM

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Mar 6th, 9:15 AM Mar 6th, 9:45 AM

The Ultimate Calming Corners & Fidgets Bootcamp: Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Session Eight

An intensive bootcamp on the most effective Calming Corner setup. Learn more than just the dos and don't of fidgets. Become a true expert on fidgets and how you can actually incorporate them into your classroom.