Attachment Aware School Series

Synopsis

Boxed set of these five books: Book 1: The Key Adult in SchoolBook 2: The Senior Manager in SchoolBook 3: The Key Teacher in SchoolBook 4: The Team Pupil in SchoolBook 5: The Parent and Carer in School

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding Attachment and Its Impact on Learning

* Definition of attachment: The emotional bond between an individual and their primary caregivers.
* Types of attachment: Secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-ambivalent, disorganized.
* Impact on learning: Secure attachment promotes school readiness, social-emotional development, and academic achievement.

Real Example: Emily, a kindergartener with secure attachment, feels safe and supported in school. She interacts positively with teachers and classmates, and is motivated to learn.

Chapter 2: Creating Attachment-Aware Classrooms

* Importance of safe and predictable environments: Establish clear routines, respond to students' needs promptly, and avoid sudden changes.
* Building relationships with students: Engage in warm and caring interactions, listen attentively, and offer individualized support.
* Encouraging self-regulation: Help students develop emotional literacy and coping mechanisms through mindfulness, breathing exercises, and positive affirmations.

Real Example: Ms. Jones's classroom has a daily "Morning Circle" where students greet each other and share their feelings. This fosters a sense of belonging and promotes emotional regulation.

Chapter 3: Supporting Students with Attachment-Related Difficulties

* Identifying students with attachment difficulties: Observe for behaviors such as clinging, avoidance, or aggression.
* Understanding the underlying trauma or neglect: Conduct sensitive assessments to determine the root causes of attachment difficulties.
* Providing trauma-informed care: Create a safe and healing environment, focus on building trust, and avoid re-traumatizing students.

Real Example: Sarah, a 9-year-old with insecure attachment, struggles with managing her emotions in class. Her teacher, Mr. Smith, uses a trauma-informed approach, providing a quiet corner where she can calm down and offering extra support during transitions.

Chapter 4: Working with Parents and Families

* Importance of parental involvement: Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children's attachment.
* Building partnerships with families: Communicate openly and respectfully, listen to their concerns, and provide information about attachment and its impact on learning.
* Supporting parents with attachment difficulties: Offer resources and support to parents who may have their own attachment-related challenges.

Real Example: Mrs. Garcia's school hosts a parent-teacher conference specifically focused on attachment and how to support children at home. Parents gain insights into their children's attachment needs and develop positive parenting strategies.

Chapter 5: Promoting Attachment-Aware School Communities

* Leadership and staff buy-in: Embed attachment theory in school culture and professional development.
* Collaboration among staff: Create a supportive and understanding work environment where teachers can feel secure and supported.
* Community partnerships: Engage with community organizations to provide wraparound services for families and students with attachment difficulties.

Real Example: A school district partners with a local mental health clinic to provide attachment-based therapy and parent support groups for students and families in need.