28. Avoiding TACOS with Nancy Willard

Today we are talking with Nancy Willard, the director of Embrace Civility, a program designed to helps empower students to understand their behaviors, while creating positive school climates andunderstanding cultural competance. Nancy has degrees in special education and law, taught “at risk” children, practiced computer law, and was an educational technology and digital safety consultant. Nancy is here to share how to best handle situations when students are dysregulated. You’ll hear about what to avoid in these situations (otherwise known as TACOS) in order to promote a positive and safe learning environment. Nancy also gives some helpful calming strategies and coping mechanisms that you and your students can use when faced with triggering situations.Plus, Nancy sheds light on the impact of trauma on the brain, the power of kindness, and the role of accountability in creating a harmonious community. All of these practical tips would be great to share with teachers in your school for supporting dysregulated children.Topics Discussed:The parts of the brain involved in the dysregulation processThe lifecycle of a triggering event leading to an outburstWhat ‘TACOS’ stands for, and why we want to avoid itHow you can communicate with students when they are having an outburstWhat to do after a student begins to calm downThe difference between reactive triggering and intentional misbehavior Implementing an accountability process if a student needs to remedy any harm doneTrigger prevention strategies to teach studentsSeven “be positively powerful” strategies Resources Mentioned:VIA Character Strengths SurveyHardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson PhDChapter 6 of Engage Students to Embrace Civility Connect with Nancy:Embrace Civility websiteNancy's Books:Engage Students to Embrace CivilityThe Way Of The Donkey (picture book)Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership