Programs and Services
Calm Classroom©
The Calm Classroom three hour professional development workshops prepare teachers and administrators to instruct a series of self-regulatory exercises that are implemented in the classroom. Participants learn practical skills that help students remain focused, manage stress, effectively comply with assignments, and smoothly navigate transitional cycles. The methods are designed to illicit the "relaxation response" within both the students and the teachers. The "Relaxation Response was originally delineated in a study conducted in 1994 by Herbert Benson, H., Kornhaber, C., and LeChau. This was published in The Journal of Research and Development in Education, 27,226-231. These practices include breathing methods, physical stretching exercises, and techniques, which help develop mental focus. The Calm Classroom program uses various techniques that are designed to illicit the relaxation response. These techniques are organized into one to three minute modules, which are seamlessly integrated into classroom transitional cycles that occur in the daily activities. The techniques are safe and easy for individuals at any level of health to learn and practice. The methods are gentle and easily implemented while either standing or seated.
The program is supported over the long term through the development of a clear yet easy to follow administrative support structure, monthly assessment and direct interaction between the Luster Learning staff and the school administrators. The implementation and support structure is designed according to the specific needs of each school. The Luster Learning staff is also available for follow-up trainings on a periodic basis.
The initial three hour training is undertaken as part of a staff development day. The program is for teachers, administrators, school social workers, and psychologists. These are the individuals that will be involved in the implementation, maintenance, and assessment of the program. Participants receive three hours of CPDU's at completion of the initial training. School administrators can receive additional specialized training through the Luster Learning Institute's ISBE approved Administrators Academy course which is offered at local ROE's throughout Illinois.
The participants in the initial training will experience numerous techniques, practice with each other in small groups, and learn to present the techniques to the student body with confidence. In addition, the teachers will be proficient in the use of the manuals and its accompanying CD's to continue adding a large repertoire of various practices. The classroom teacher is taught how to decide which technique will be best to implement according to the mood and current energy level of the students. Formally placing specific times for the practice of Calming techniques is created thru placing the various modules directly on to each teacher's lesson plans. Modules can be practiced at the beginning or end of a class, during transitions between activities, as preparation for testing experiences or when homework is assigned.
Participants will develop the ability to teach techniques that will help their students more easily identify body feelings, emotions, moods, attitudes and personal stressors. In addition, skills will be formalized that help cultivate mental focus and the ability to maintain attentive awareness on any activity in which one is engaged.
Illinois State Board of Education Administrator Academy
Administrators will learn to teach a highly organized system of proven techniques that help reduce bullying, hostility, stress, and lack of emotional control. Staff and students will be empowered to be: more focused, academically motivated, peaceful and respectful. We will explore relevant academic research that supports the validity of these techniques in schools. Administrators will be able to accurately assess the implementation and results of the curriculum. In addition, school leaders will develop, and be able to clearly articulate, a personalized set of objectives and rational as they pertain to the Calm Classroom methodology.
The skills and methods include: identifying and responding to personal stressors, breath-control, concentration, and stretching. The techniques are organized into one-to-three minute classroom modules, which are presented at the beginning or end of class, during transitions between various activities, as preparation for testing, or when homework is assigned. A copy of the Luster Learning Institute Calm Classroom Training manual is included.