Inventive approaches to connection — Every kid needs connection. Sometimes when staff are figuring out how to teach skills we need to get creative finding a lesson or approach that supports connection. Over the years I have needed to learn new skills and information to accomplish just that. …

A tale for National False Teeth Day — I have what I would consider to be average dental anxiety. I don’t like going to the dentist and so it doesn’t take much for me to forget to schedule it. I also have a terrible habit of being conflict avoidant when shame is involved. …

How to listen without judgement — Today was one of those days at work where it seemed like I had an endless stream of students. Some would come in and start talking right away, others would hang by the doorway and wait to be noticed and invited. You have a real following, a 6th grade teacher…

Sick Day Listicle: sometimes not feeling well isn’t reason enough. Reasons I stayed home today: I didn’t feel well. It’s my middle dogs birthday. I cried at work yesterday. It’s easier to catch up on work from home. I had a feeling today would be a good day to poop…

She came into the office and crumpled onto the beanbag, a pile of tears and gasping sobs. Through her lace clad fingerless gloves, spiked metal rings, and black painted nails I could see her silver and black eyeliner and false lashes struggling in the stream of tears. “Everyone (gasp) keeps…

What Happened When I Decided to Draw Every Day Technically it wasn’t a New Years resolution, because I randomly started in late December. I was on winter break, and I took my kid with me to the craft store. …

An Adult’s Interpretation Guide to Preteens Kids these days- it can certainly feel like they are speaking a different language. No matter how many times I’ve had kids explain certain social media apps or what goes for expected behavior on those apps, I still don’t get it. And once a…

You know how it goes: How was your day? I don’t know. What did you do? I don’t know. Do you have any homework? I don’t know. Do you want pizza for dinner? I don’t know. What is your name? I don’t know. Sometimes it actually feels like aliens abduct…

People have a lot of feelings about Behavior Support Plans (let’s call them BSPs because schools love to abbreviate them and I love to type faster). Sometimes also called Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), these are plans at school intended to encourage wanted behaviors and extinguish unwanted behaviors. At their best…