Join MSTA’s second quarter (October 7 - January 3) “Beyond the Book” Club Extended Book Study!
- Participants are responsible for obtaining their copy of the book “Light Up the Learning Brain: 7 Keys to Reducing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom” by Jessica Sinarski before the beginning of the book study.
- In Light Up the Learning Brain, Jessica Sinarski explains how the brain learns and the impact of stress and trauma on children's learning abilities. The book provides practical strategies for creating safe and supportive environments that foster healthy brain development, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and resilience. It offers tools for educators and caregivers to help children manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and enhance their learning potential. Sinarski breaks down complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand concepts with visuals and examples. Participants will learn how to support children's academic, social, and emotional growth by understanding the brain and creating nurturing environments.
- This book study is facilitated by MSTA member Ursulla Wadley. Ursulla graduated from Southeast Missouri State with a Bachelor's degree in Exceptional Child and Elementary Education. She obtained her Master's degree in Educational Leadership at William Woods University. She completed her Trauma-Resilience Studies Certification through Southeast Missouri State, becoming a Trauma Informed Professional. She started her career as an elementary teacher. After seeing the need to help students unable to succeed in a regular classroom setting, she took on the role of coordinator/teacher in a support/intervention program. Ursulla then served as the JAG (Jobs for America's Graduates) Specialist for Cape Central Academy, an alternative high school. She is now serving JAG as the Regional Manager for the Southeast Missouri Region. She is passionate about coaching teachers in ways to increase instructional time and build meaningful relationships with students, all while using effective, trauma-informed interventions.
- The Learning Management System, Teachable, is used to house discussion board conversations and group materials. Guiding questions and tasks are posted in the Teachable course. These questions allow participants to share and reflect on the topics and ideas presented in the reading. Teachable courses are by design asynchronous.
- If this is your first online learning activity with MSTA, you will receive an email from Teachable to confirm your email address. (This is the email address you used to register for the event.) After confirming your email address, you must create a password. On the next screen, you will see the course(s) for which you are registered.
- If you have previously participated in one of MSTA's online activities, you can log into Teachable. Your email is your username, and the password you used when confirming your email address. This will give you access to your account and products.
- There will be Zoom meetings encouraging participants to network with other participants over the concepts shared. The time of the Zoom meetings will be determined by the facilitator with book study participants.
- Session 1 -- October 1
- Session 2 -- October 22
- Session 3 -- November 19
- Session 4 -- December 10
- Application is used throughout the course as participants complete Core Concept Assignments that are reflective in nature. Assignment details are shared in the Teachable course and intended for participants to apply concepts learned and discussed during the course to their classroom. Once enrolled in the course, participants will continue to have access to the resources shared that support the learning in the book.
Beyond the Book Study Course Outline:
Session 1
Week 1 Oct 7-13
Part 1: It’s a Brain Thing!
Introduction
Chapter 1: Under Construction
Week 2 Oct 14-20
Reading & Teachable Task
Session 2
Week 3 Oct 21-27
Part 1: It’s a Brain Thing!
Chapter 2: The Brain-Behavior Connection
Chapter 3: From Protection to Connection
Week 4 Oct 28-Nov 3
Reading & Teachable Task
Session 3
Week 5 Nov 4-10
Part 2: Keys to Unlocking Student and Staff Potential
Key One: Become a Brain Builder
Key Two: Get ALL the Senses Involved
Week 6 Nov 11-17
Reading & Teachable Task
Week 7 Nov 18-24
Part 2: Keys to Unlocking Student and Staff Potential
Key Three: Play and Be Playful
Key Four: Be Curious
Key Five: Create a Culture of Safety
Week 8 Nov 25-Dec 1
Reading & Teachable Task
Session 4
Week 9 Dec 2-8
Part 2: Keys to Unlocking Student and Staff Potential
Key Six: Share the Power
Key Seven: Lead With the Brain in Mind
Week 10 Dec 9-15
Closing and Reflection