Those Kids are OUR Kids: PRACTICAL strategies to help ALL educators help THOSE KIDS

by Heidy Pemsl LaFleur

Based on a true story of trauma, Heidy LaFleur shares that kids who have been traumatized, those who are misunderstood and those who take frequent detours from what's expected need compassionate, empathetic and loving adults supporting them.Often, as educators & parents, we receive little guidance when working with special needs, distracted kids, mental illness, emotional stress, behavioral deficiencies, trauma and dysregulated children. Heidy hears you, she's got you & she will help you. This book was created for you...the teacher, mentor, parent, social worker, counselor, occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, media specialist, librarian, paraprofessional, security guard, administrator, dean, custodian, lunch staff, office staff and any other title that influences kids on a daily basis. As a teacher, assistant principal, principal and mother Heidy has had the distinct pleasure of working with some of the most unforgettable teachers and providers in the school community. They all had several things in common. Kids loved them, gravitated to them and would do anything for them. They always had a smile on their faces (even on a bad day), were a part of every solution and enjoyed their interactions with all kids, even Those Kids. They sought out students’ interests, planned according to their needs and celebrated their accomplishments. They instilled hope, love and kindness in the classroom. They raised scores and grew students academically and socially because they cared first about relationships and second about rigor of the curriculum. Their Actions, Words and Expressions (AWE) put air in kids’ balloons and helped them soar. Building a strong environment with a foundation of social emotional well-being is what helps kids know they matter. For what we model for children is what they will produce. They get one chance and we get to help shape their stories. What a beautiful opportunity.

173 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2020

Reviews

[Lyndsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I met the author this summer at a symposium. She was a keynote speaker who was amazing and inspirational to listen to. She pumped me up, ready to start a fresh year at work. .this book follows he own turmoil and trauma of something tragic happening in her family.. her son, .at the time was in first grade was being sexual molested in the bathroom by an older peer. The book doesn't focus on this, but how to reach, work and inspire "those kids" in your classroom. I love her ideas so much. It goes right along with my mindset, and it just validates my reasoning in doing things.
I didn't give it a 5 because it was just lacking in meatiness and was just simple. "Chapters" were just short and to the point with motivation/inspiration. I want more ideas in examples. However, she does work through the alphabet with ways to respond to "those kids"
Some examples of each section.
Acknowledge before accusation
Bonfire behavior
Compassion before curriculum
Open to opposition
Tell them your story
Yes to yet
Zilch zero tolerance

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who works with kids, has kids of their own or spends time with kids should read this. Powerful, and to the point, tangible ways to help understand why kids might be struggling with/through certain things.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidy has nailed it again! She has created a guide to help educators proceed with the most challenging students. Heidy has been an educator, principal, and mother so she truly understands the work.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're an educator and looking for an EASY read about teaching kids who come from trauma, I highly recommend this book. The author's son experienced heart wrenching trauma at school and that propelled her to look at things differently.

There is a "chapter" for each letter of the alphabet with a corresponding strategy. They're incredibly short, often with real world examples. It is nothing revolutionary, it's stuff we all know, but this little reminder would be good as we head into August.

I don't normally like nonfiction and I find books about how to teach absolutely insufferable, but this was a good one.

My ONLY complaint is the "scan this QR code for my______" and it was to buy her posters or discussion guide, etc. That took me out of the moment. But otherwise, no issue.

[Brooke Phelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heidy offers really great strategies for classroom teachers who need a refresher or new perspective on fair & relational teaching. My take-aways were to model & consequence rather than punish, control my own AWE (actions, words, expressions), and lead with curiosity rather than judgement. The strategies are all rooted in humility and care, which mostly aligned with my personal value system making this a welcome school-related read for me! I recommend Heidy LaFleur.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! I highly recommend to anyone who deals with kids.

[Nona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for anyone working with kids!

[ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

good