Tranquility, Fish and Trust

Funded Sep 13, 2021

My classroom has become an oasis for students that need a safe place and a loving environment to deescalate. When I bring students to my room, usually they are in Survival mode (Fight or Flight). When a child is like this, there is a lot of raging, screaming, crying and attacking. My outer room provides a safe place where they can (scream, shred, stomp and throw. I keep cardboard strips and paper for this reason). I reassure them that they are safe and I will not leave them. As they calm down, I take them into my inner room. This is where we practice our breathing. Focusing on the colorful swimming fish, hearing the soothing sound of running water while listening to my voice, helps the child to relax and move from Survival State, go into his Emotional State and hopefully reach his Executive State where he is able to talk about what happened. Sometimes the Executive State takes longer for the child to reach. That is okay. I give him the Legos and Lego people to play with. This gives me a chance to observe and listen to his play. I get a glimpse of his world through his eyes. This innocent play gives me insight into the child's world.

Students who entered my room were immediately captivated by the soft, colorful glow and gentle sound of running water in the aquarium. Tears soon ceased and screams quieted. One little boy who struggles with self-esteem and socializing with peers, commented that he now has friends who like him because the fish swam to the front of the aquarium every time her walked in. He believed they were greeting him and wanted to play with him. ( I have over 15 minutes of video of this child standing with his small hands on the aquarium talking to the fish. He told the fish his name and mentioned things he likes to play. He then proceeded to name the fish.) What a beautiful experience for me, as a teacher, to witness such innocent words from a child whose world is harsh and violent. The fish have become 'teachers' in helping the child make new friends. I reminded him that when he sees the fish, he smiles, says 'Hi' and talks nicely to the fish. In response to his friendliness, the fish swim to him. He has practiced being friendly out on the playground. This little boy, who would say mean things to children because he was shy and afraid, now has friends that run to him. He happily talks and plays with the children.

Returning to school after the holidays, will have setbacks for many children as they readjust to a structured environment with rules. My students live in extreme poverty and are surrounded by violence. The challenging behaviors hurt my heart because I know the child is subconsciously screaming for help! With the contributions from Donors Choose, combined with a lot of patience and unconditional love, I have no worries. My young students now have a chance to establish a solid Social and Emotional foundation which is the cornerstone for success in school and life!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Lisa or Ritter