ESSDACK Resilience Quick Bites

ESSDACK Resilience Team

Every educator wants to know how to get their kids focused, regulated, and learning, but not everyone has the time -- or patience -- to sit down and read all the research journals and books. Listen in weekly as veteran educators and practicing behavior specialists, Ginger Lewman and Eric Nachtigal share at least one practical approach to the systems, the research, and the classroom strategies in modern learner-responsive schools. If you’re ready to truly meet kids where they are and then guide them to places they never thought they could reach, don't miss a single episode!

  1. 16 OCT

    When the kid is in a meltdown, behavior-wise, they just don't listen. Help!

    Ever felt like you're talking to a brick wall when a child is having a meltdown? 🤯 In this episode of Quick Bites, Eric Nachtigal and Ginger Lewman from the ESSDACK Resilience team dive deep into a common struggle for parents and educators: getting dysregulated kids to listen. We all want to help, fix, and solve problems immediately, especially when kids are struggling. But what if our words are actually making things worse? Discover why using "all the words" can be counterproductive when a child (or even an adult!) is in their "downstairs brain" – a state of fight, flight, or freeze where logic and language just don't register. Ginger shares profound insights, inspired by Dr. Vince Feletti (co-founder of the ACES project), on the surprising power of simply listening. Learn why silence, presence, and creating a safe space are the most effective tools to help someone calm down, process emotions, and eventually be ready to hear you. In this podcast, you'll learn: Why verbal commands often fail during meltdowns. The science behind the "downstairs brain" and why words don't work. The transformative impact of active, silent listening. Practical strategies for helping children (and adults) regulate and open up. The importance of being heard, seen, and valued for emotional processing. Stop talking, start listening! This Quick Bites episode will revolutionize how you approach challenging conversations and build stronger, more resilient connections. #ParentingTips #Education #ChildBehavior #EmotionalRegulation #ListenMore #QuickBites #AzdakResilience #KidsMeltdown #BrainScience #PositiveParenting #TeacherTips #CommunicationSkills #Mindfulness

    8 min

  2. 9 OCT

    Dysregulated Kids Impact Everyone (including me)! Help!

    If you're struggling to find time to help kids learn behavior skills, these Focused Attention Practices are just the ticket. 100 FoAP from Dr. Lori Desaultels https://revelationsineducation.com/100-focused-attention-practices/ Eric's slide deck of FoAP:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1T7lrvS7sjIcT2iNa_-Bav_qwhcqSotx_77cZ5IBoUWE/edit?usp=sharing

    10 min

  3. 2 OCT

    I barely have enough time for math, ELA, and Science...I know it is important to help kids with their coping and SEL skills, but when do I have time to teach them these skills?

    🔗 **Bridging to Resilience**cultivating connection and belonging for all[https://www.essdack.org/b2r26]📩 **Restorative Ripples Newsletter**[https://essdk.me/rr]🌱 **Restorative Practice Coaches**This year-long restorative practices cohort is the next step in your trauma-informed journey.[https://www.essdack.org/rpc]💡 **What does it take to get kids & families out of poverty?**[https://www.essdack.org/poverty-paradigm]---🤝 **Connect with the ESSDACK Resilience Team**🌐 [https://www.essdack.org/resilience]📘 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ESSDACKresilienceteam]📧 [resilienceteam@essdack.org]Welcome back to Quick Bites with Ginger Lewman and Eric Nachtigal from the ESSDACK Resilience team! In this episode, we're diving into a game-changing strategy for both educators and parents: **Focused Attention Practices (FAPs)**.Discover how these quick, intentional exercises – sometimes as short as 30-60 seconds – can help children (and adults!) regulate their nervous systems, move from "downstairs brain" reactions to "upstairs brain" responses, and create a ready-to-learn environment.Inspired by experts like Dr. Lori Desautels, we'll explore how simple breathing, movement, visualization, or even just holding a piece of gum, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce fight/flight/freeze responses, and expand everyone's window of tolerance.Learn:* **Why FAPs are essential** for managing classroom behavior and fostering positive family dynamics.* **When to strategically implement FAPs** throughout the day for proactive regulation.* **Examples of calming and energizing practices** to suit different needs.* **The "triple bonus" of FAPs**: increased regulation, expanded tolerance, and enhanced resilience!If you're struggling to find time to help kids learn behavior skills, these Focused Attention Practices are just the ticket. 100 FoAP from Dr. Lori Desaultels https://revelationsineducation.com/100-focused-attention-practices/ Eric's slide deck of FoAP:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1T7lrvS7sjIcT2iNa_-Bav_qwhcqSotx_77cZ5IBoUWE/edit?usp=sharing---#FocusedAttentionPractices #FAPs #Resilience #EmotionalRegulation #ClassroomManagement #ParentingTips #MindfulnessForKids #TeacherLife #StudentWellbeing #QuickBites #ESSDACK #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #DrLoriDesautels

    13 min

  4. 25 SEPT

    The child is doing something that’s really upsetting me. How can I calm myself quickly so I can stay grounded and safe for them?

    This episode pairs beautifully with the episode all about Internal and External Resources. Except that today, we're talking about acute stress...the stress we feel when that kid is doing that thing. How can we lean into our Anchors/Resources so we can better respond instead of reacting? Friends, be sure you're following our blog, Tending the Field, which offers a different take in professional learning. Check out the stories that are shared there and discuss them with colleagues for delicious QuickBite Learning!

    10 min

  5. 18 SEPT

    What do we do when we are feeling chronically stressed out?

    Stress is the reality for those of us living in America and working in this profession...whether that's education or another helping profession. Using our Internal and External Resources can help bring us back to calm in a quick and easy way.

    12 min

  6. 31 JUL

    How can I utilize peer mentors as a stable, caring support for younger students' behavioral success?

    We can intentionally connect older/younger students to increase connection in both kids. So what are some ways we might think about doing this? Join Ginger and Eric today as they talk about peer mentoring at the PK-12 level. Thank you so much for subscribing to this podcast! We are growing, reaching more educators, teachers, and classrooms. That is in large part due to you subscribing and building the algorithm that puts this podcast in front of others who might be interested. So thank you so much for your support. We are grateful!

    10 min

  7. 24 JUL

    But aren't I already doing emotional check-ins with my Zones of Regulation?

    This episode is part 3 of a 3-part series. We can't wait to hear what you are thinking about as you take a listen! Learn more about the Zones of Regulation: https://zonesofregulation.com/ Do you use emotional check-ins? How are you using them and what are you noticing about your community and individuals inside that community?

    9 min

  8. 17 JUL

    But aren't I already doing emotional check-ins with my Zones of Regulation?

    This episode is part 2 of a 3-part series. We can't wait to hear what you are thinking about as you take a listen! Check out First Five from our friends over at EdTomorrow! https://www.edtomorrow.com/today Do you use emotional check-ins? How are you using them and what are you noticing about your community and individuals inside that community?

    10 min
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About

Every educator wants to know how to get their kids focused, regulated, and learning, but not everyone has the time -- or patience -- to sit down and read all the research journals and books. Listen in weekly as veteran educators and practicing behavior specialists, Ginger Lewman and Eric Nachtigal share at least one practical approach to the systems, the research, and the classroom strategies in modern learner-responsive schools. If you’re ready to truly meet kids where they are and then guide them to places they never thought they could reach, don't miss a single episode!

Information

  • Creator
    ESSDACK Resilience Team
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ESSDACK Resilience Team
  • Show Website
    ESSDACK Resilience Quick Bites