Link to Resiliency 101http://www.neahin.org/programs/mentalhealth/stressguide.htm

Wellness and Resilience

National Health Care is moving the focus from sickness and disease to wellness and prevention.

Lakota Medicine Wheel

Referenceshttp://www.aktalakota.org/index.cfm?cat=1&artid=47

Defining Resilience for YourselfNo one size fits allOur idea of it

determines how we work with it

We expand are ideas about resilience from others

It is a journey – not an event

It is individual and environmental

Resilience Is NotA programAn add-onOnly for Prevention RemedialSeparate from or in

conflict with central educational goals or other educational reforms

APA Resilience InitiativeResiliency has a history and considerable

body of researchGained broad public attention since

September 11,2001The country has demonstrated resilience

since thenAPA began focus groups and a campaign2002 “The ROAD TO RESILIENCE” startedFLOOD, MUD , AND CRUD – MN FLOODS2003 “RESILIENCE IN A TIME OF WAR” - Iraq

APA Resilience DefinitionThe process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or work place and financial stressors. It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.

What Common Characteristics Emerge from the Literature that Are Found in Resilient Children ?

Good-naturedResilient children are often good-natured,

gaining positive attention from others. They are easy to be around and usually have a close bond with a caregiver or significant adult. They also have a sense of humor and coping skills, and they use their inner resources to interact effectively within their context (Murphy & Moriarity, 1076). The attention they get provides positive feedback and strengthens the child’s perception of self.

AcceptingChildren who are resilient are able to accept and work with life’s challenges. They use negative situations to their advantage in continuing to work toward a particular goal (Joseph, 1994).

Sense of ControlResilient children have a sense of

control over their lives (Anthony&Cohler,1987;Redl,1966). They develop coherence, which is a basic belief that life makes sense and they can control their lives (Antonovsky,1979). This sense of control then allows them to maintain order ands structure.

ProactiveChildren who are resilient tend to

approach problems proactively. Their strategies for solving problems enable them to maintain a strong sense of self and to effect positive change as they interact with variables of their lives (Garbarino, et. al. 1992). This in turns results in positive feedback and fuels self-esteem and self-efficacy (Joseph, 1994).

A NEW PARADIGM: Putting Deficits in the Back Seat

Pros and Cons of Labels

Allow us to identify and diagnose

Treat a problem

Refer to an expert

Communicate in a common language

Connect to evidence-based interventions

Problem oriented

Fix a deficit approach

Take us off the hook

Stigmatize and stereotype

Limit individual options

Children on psychotropic medications beyond the age of 12 are excluded from the military and many police forces.

Becoming Strengths Based to Foster Resilience

Protective FactorsSpecial Interest or HobbyMentorFamily SupportTurning Point EventSchool As A Caring Community

Discuss Examples of Protective Factors in Your

Schools

?

Charting Another Course

Tips for Building ResilienceMake connections Help othersMaintain a routine, with breaksEat well and exercise regularlySet reasonable goals Move toward goals – take baby steps

Maintain a sense of humor

Tips for Building ResilienceBe hopeful, have faith and be positive

Keep things in perspectiveTough times teach usAccept that change is a part of life

Can You See Resilience in Your DistrictWhat are some examples of how

you foster protective factors?Identify some protective factors in

your classroom or school.

Challenges to Applying Resilience

ChallengeComplete and discuss the Challenge

worksheet.

Next Steps

Each team is to prepare and bring a 5-10 minute presentation on one of your approaches that fosters resilience foe children or staff. It can be something that you are already doing or something new that you create before February. Each team will present on their example of a resiliency approach at the February Academy.

February AcademyTaking Care of Yourself – challenge resultsTeam PresentationsSchool cultureAssessing resiliencyIntegrating resiliency into curricula and

activities