It’s Still Summer – LET’S GET OUR HANDS IN IT!
As we move through the remaining weeks of summer, teachers and parents think ahead and know the upcoming school year will not be easy. How could it be?
We’ve all been traumatized to some degree by the pandemic. I’ve been working hard this summer on my new book, Trauma Informed Art in Early Childhood. Researching the effects of trauma on families has made me particularly aware of grief and loss. We’ve lost a lot these past two years. Children are confused and grief stuck but they don’t have words to express it. That’s where art comes in, as a way to help us get through this.
Teachers will greet many traumatized children when classrooms open up again this Fall. It’s a scary thought. How will we help them feel safe and ready to learn, when we are still trying to find our own balance?
No wonder “adulting” often feels like too much.
We also know our own ability to stay calm, focused and “self-regulated” is the single biggest factor in our children’s ability to feel safe. That doesn’t mean we need to be perfect (yee gads, no!) but it does urge us to continue finding new ways to replenish our well. Seriously…the world needs us now more than ever, and we can do this!
Join us for FREE SELF-CARE, and MAKE A VISION BOARD to Reconnect with Joy and Purpose. This is a trauma informed workshop with your wellness in mind…and it’s fully sponsored by UCLA’s Arts & Healing, Hope Program. They have many other free workshops, and I’m excited to be on their presenter lineup.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Upon registration, you’ll receive a Zoom link for Friday, August 12. The workshop is one hour long…from noon to 1:00 California time. You’ll follow a carefully guided instructor DEMO, view slides, connect with colleagues from around the globe, and have time to complete a simple Vision Board in that hour. And you’ll use whatever simple art materials you already have on hand.
Most of us who work in education love and admire children. Through the education of young children, many of us found our gift and our purpose. Let’s learn the trauma based coping strategies we need to keep that gift alive.
Won’t you join me in arts advocacy and explore your own VISION on August 12? We already have over 100 people registered, and it’s going to be so much fun!
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and share your experiences. I hope you enjoy connecting with like minded spirits as much as I do.
