TREVOR HICKS PRESENTS AT USBE CONFERENCE

December 18, 2023 - PC Tots Program Professional Development Coach Trevor Hicks presented at the Utah State Board of Education Preschool Conference. He focused on strategies that enable educators to harness intense emotions in children and redirect them toward opportunities for growth.

Description of what attendees could expect from the presentation:

This session offers a vital platform for early childhood educators to explore the transformative potential of emotions and strong feelings within the classroom. Recognizing that these emotions are essential to a healthy learning environment, this session delves into strategies that enable educators to harness these moments of intensity and redirect them toward opportunities for learning and growth.

In a dynamic and interactive setting, attendees will delve into the art of shifting focus from meltdowns to valuable learning moments. This session underscores the significance of reframing challenges as occasions for development rather than disruptions. By capitalizing on these emotionally charged instances, educators can nurture emotional intelligence and resilience in their young learners.

Central to this session is the exploration of effective dialogue redirection and strategies. Educators will gain insights into guiding children's emotional responses, deftly steering them away from adverse reactions and toward constructive engagement. Incorporating a focus on positivity and collaborative discussions, participants will uncover techniques to channel meltdowns into avenues for personal and social growth.

An essential aspect of this session is fostering educators' self-awareness. Attendees will be able to identify their emotional triggers, commonly known as "hot buttons." This reflective exercise empowers educators to manage their reactions, serving as role models for emotional regulation. Educators create a more empathetic and supportive classroom environment by understanding and managing their triggers.

Hicks explains that verbal de-escalation strategies represent a cornerstone of the session’s curriculum. Educators will acquire practical skills in communication that defuse tense situations and cultivate a calm and respectful classroom atmosphere. These strategies promote immediate conflict resolution and empower children to develop their conflict resolution skills, nurturing a sense of autonomy and collaboration.

The "Positive Redirection: Laying the Groundwork and In-the-Moment Resolution" session is a transformative opportunity for early childhood educators. By embracing emotions and strong feelings as catalysts for growth, attendees will emerge with the tools to reframe challenges as learning opportunities. Verbal redirection, self-awareness, and de-escalation strategies form the core of this session, enabling educators to create nurturing environments that foster holistic development in their young learners.