Post written by Carla Tantillo and Lara Veon, Mindful Practices
Among the most heartbreaking moments as an educator is that of observing a student who doesn't believe in herself and sees a mistake—be it a social interaction gone bad or a failing grade—as a fracture of character instead of an opportunity for growth. Similarly upsetting is witnessing a student who experiences trauma and loss withdraw or act out in unpredictable and often disruptive behavior.
At moments like these resilience often seems an inconsistent trait. However, similarly to other social emotional skills, the practice of helping students cultivate resilience can indeed be taught. It needn't occur in isolation and it should be through a whole child approach. Below are five strategies for integrating resiliency development into your classroom:
1. Create safety and structure.
Perhaps the most elemental component in building resiliency in your students is creating a classroom culture that feels safe. Consistent policies and procedures bring comfort to students who need structure. In addition, consistently communicated teacher expectations also contribute to safety. Safety results in students having