I heard a wonderful adage yesterday that rung so true it actually stopped me in my tracks. Oddly enough, it was quoted from the New York Times article ” Trumpism at it’s Best, Straight Up” The partial quote I caught was “All life is a series of daring adventures from a secure base.” In its entirety it reads:
Human development research offers a different formula: All of life is a series of daring adventures from a secure base. If government can create a framework in which people grow up amid healthy families, nurturing schools, thick communities and a secure safety net, then they will have the resources and audacity to thrive in a free global economy and a diversifying skills economy.
Why this quote struck me is that it aligns so well with what we are doing in Evergreen Schools right now. Our district, like many in the province, find ourselves facing rates of rising anxiety and depression. In order to help alleviate this blight, the district, along with the local Alberta Teacher’s Association, found the money in order to contract three of our teachers, each with a plethora of experience and depth of understanding in dealing with children, to help build resilience in our students.
Where the team started was introducing our staffs to the idea of Attachment Theory. In my own crass explanation it is this. Children who have a strong positive connection with one impassioned caregiver in their lives, have a far greater chance of being functioning contributors to society in the future. Makes sense, doesn’t it. The reason that the team choose to start there was that for some students who come from dysfunctional homes, potentially, the only caring adults they encounter are in schools.
With that in mind, the team focuses on providing strategies for teachers to connect with the students in their class, particularly those kids who are identified as ‘at risk’. Simple things like participating in a board game, going for a quick walk or simply spending time with these kids could potentially shape their outlook on life. Knowing there is one person in the world who thinks you’re pretty darn special, can really help you get through tough times.
I’m extremely proud of the work this team is waist deep in and I KNOW it makes a difference. It also reminds me that a simple connection with the people around you matters, relationships matter. So, connect with those youth in your life. Be someone’s biggest fan!
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