Self-regulation and Expressing our Gratitude

Champions • Upcoming Events • What We Are Reading • Engage with Sound Discipline

A Note from our Executive Director...

It may have been years ago, but I remember it viscerally: the embarrassment and frustration I felt when my kids threw temper tantrums in public. I would get more heated, as my attempts to reason with my wailing child and get them to make “better choices” would inevitably fail to calm them down. As they grew, I kept waiting for them to get better at controlling their emotions. With new brain science research, we now know that we can proactively teach kids self-regulation skills so when those situations arise, we have tools to calm back down. Kids and adults can learn these skills… at any age. It just takes intention and practice.

Teachers frequently encounter big emotions in students and themselves, and the impact is felt throughout the classroom. Students unfortunately often do not come to school possessing necessary self-regulation skills. Many students have also been exposed to trauma and toxic stress, further inhibiting their ability to self-regulate. As more emphasis is placed on social emotional learning (SEL) in schools, self-regulation skills are becoming recognized as an important piece of classroom management and community building.

Our blogs in December focus on self-regulation skills for parents and teachers. You’ll find brain science information, strategies and tools, and validation that you and your children or students are not the only ones who “flip your lids!” Also on our website, you will find self-regulation support tools such as our self-regulation tools card pack, and suggestions for building a 'cool down kit' for your classroom or home.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter this month as well, for resources and examples of successful self-regulation strategies in our partner schools.

Read further for a message of gratitude from all of us. #GivingTuesday was a great success!

We wish you a wonderful winter break and Happy Holidays!

Thank you,

Jody McVittie
Executive Director, Sound Discipline

Thank You!

We want to extend a special THANK YOU to all of you who helped us kick off this giving season by donating to our #GivingTuesday campaign. We had a $2500 matching gift from a generous donor, and with your help we were able to not only meet that match, we exceeded our goal!

Sound Discipline Champion

Kim Clarke
Sound Discipline Board Member

Our December Champion is Kim Clarke. Kim joined our Board this past June and has made a positive impact on our Board and our organization since that time.

Kim hosted a dynamic and engaging house party for Sound Discipline in October. She procured in-kind donations for a successful silent auction during the party. Kim has introduced many of her colleagues and friends to Sound Discipline and has expanded Sound Discipline’s circle of supporters. She attends most of our Demonstration School Tours and brings a few guests with her each time. She also applied her marketing background and skills to help us strategize around increasing our attendance for our public workshops.

Board member, Kim Clarke, setting up her silent auction to benefit Sound Discipline.

Kim shared with us what drew her to Sound Discipline and why she is such a proactive supporter and ambassador for our organization:

“When I was first introduced to Sound Discipline, I was a major skeptic about the potential effectiveness of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. I had seen so many SEL programs taught in a purely academic way in which kids were told different things they should say or do when a stressful situation or conflict arose. But then at recess or the cafeteria, tempers would flare and all that "learning" would be forgotten. I met Sound Discipline's Executive Director and co-founder, Dr. Jody McVittie, and was impressed with her knowledge, her sense of empathy, and her passion for ensuring that ALL kids have an opportunity to thrive. When I expressed my skepticism, she encouraged me to visit one of the Sound Discipline’s partner schools, which I did.

As I sat in a 5^th grade classroom watching and listening to the kids during their classroom meeting, I was very impressed. I saw kids talking respectfully to their teacher and their peers; they were listening without rolling their eyes or fidgeting; they were supporting their peers with silent signs of agreement; and they appeared to be enjoying themselves. I knew many of these kids were dealing with incredibly stressful home situations, but here at school, they appeared happy and calm.

I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization that could work with educators to create this kind of safe, supportive community in schools. Within months I had joined the Sound Discipline Board of Directors. I am so thrilled and grateful to be part of this extraordinary organization!”

Thank you, Kim! Your support helps us expand our work and reach even more communities.

Upcoming Events

Positive Discipline in the Classroom

Renton - Jan 14 - Feb 11
Kent - Jan 15 - Feb 12

Register here

Building Resiliency 1: Strategies to Engage Youth Exposed to Trauma
Seattle

January 16

Register here

Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way
Seattle

January 23-25

Register here

Parenting with Positive Discipline

We are offering several parenting classes in the area for specific communities.

Contact us for more information.

What We Are Reading

The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity and Resilience in Your Child
by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Our kids can be taught to approach life with openness and curiosity. The authors offer skills, scripts, and activities for navigating away from negative behavioral and emotional states (aggression and withdrawal) and expanding your child’s capacity for positivity.

Find this and other recommended books on our website.

Engage with Sound Discipline

Demonstration School Tours
Join us at one of our partner schools to see our work first hand. Observe class meetings in action and listen to students and school staff talk about the impact of Sound Discipline in their school.

Our next tour is scheduled for Friday, December 13.

Find more information and RSVP here.

Check out our Parenting Newsletter
Would you like to bring a Parenting class to your school or community?

Join Sound Discipline's Positive Discipline Practitioners Group!
This private Facebook group is for Positive Discipline practitioners trained by Sound Discipline. Connect and support one another by sharing resources and referrals, asking questions, and helping to promote one another's services.

Join here

Like and Follow Sound Discipline! Interact with us on social media and get more connection to our work in your life!

Because of the way algorithms work, the more you like and share our posts, the more you will see our work in your feed. Let's ground our social media experiences with principles of respect and equity.

Connect with Sound Discipline on Facebook and Twitter today.

Donate to Sound Discipline