Transcript
0:00 well from shutting down schools to virtual learning and now back in the classroom it's no secret that students have been dealing with a lot of added stress during the pandemic but a northeast ohio school district believes they've adopted a creative way to keep students engaged fox 8 jennifer jordan is here now with more on the so-called safe spaces jennifer well tracy it has been proven that in time of stress and transition educators often see a spike
0:27 in aggressive behaviors conflict even power struggles with students in the classroom but leaders inside the south euclid lindhur city school district believe they have found the perfect solution it's where people go to calm down it is not your typical classroom they have some books in there they can build with the magnetized eight-year-old josiah morgan describing his classroom's so-called safe space inside roland elementary school in south euclid
0:58 utilizing a comfy chair area rug or pillows it is where students dealing with disciplinary issues or mental breakdowns can take a moment to self regulate it's not a time out and it's not a quiet corner you just go to there's a process of self-regulation where we are moving the lower from the students are moving from the lower centers of their brain to the higher centers of the brain to where optimal problem solving and learning can
1:28 occur it's all part of a program called conscious discipline unveiled inside south euclid lindhurst city schools four years ago colorful posted charts inside classrooms and hallways enabling students to self-diagnose whatever emotions they may be experiencing determining if a safe space break is needed and the students safe places aren't just for students this is a teacher calming area where they can come in get a massage listen to
2:00 music anything to decompress before heading back into the classroom the safe space program has expanded now in all elementary middle even high school buildings assistant principal sylvia marshall already noticing major changes you don't want to go to the principal's office but honestly i don't deal with a lot of behaviors i don't deal with a lot of you know negative things because what our teachers are doing in a classroom with their safe places is really helping students stay
2:33 in the classroom josiah whose favorite subject is math says he hasn't used the safe space inside mrs davidson's classroom just yet but says changes in his classmates behaviors are evident they are ready to learn they're ready to do to do their reading and their math and they feel better now founded more than 25 years ago conscious discipline is practiced in 73 countries and 22 different languages
3:03 serving not only teachers and students but also administrators mental health professionals and parents i think it's a fantastic idea what they're doing there and i think we could all benefit from these safe spaces exactly i think we need to give andy a call soon tracy our news director see if we can get a safe space maybe in the newsroom a calm room
Summary
- Safe spaces are designed for students experiencing stress or disciplinary issues, allowing them to calm down and self-regulate.
- The program is part of a broader initiative called Conscious Discipline, which helps students identify and manage their emotions.
- Safe spaces are equipped with comfortable furniture and resources like books and building materials.
- The initiative has expanded to all grade levels, including elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Teachers also have access to calming areas to decompress before returning to the classroom.
- The program has reportedly reduced negative behaviors and improved classroom dynamics.
- Conscious Discipline is utilized globally, serving educators, students, and parents in various countries and languages.