The "Why" Behind Classroom Behaviors, PreK-5

Dr. Jamie Chaves, OTD, OTR/L, SWC, is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 8 years of experience working with children who have sensory processing differences and learning differences. She received bachelor’s degrees in health science and Psychology from Bradley University, and a doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Chaves is the division leader for the occupational therapy department at The Center for Connection in Pasadena, CA—a multidisciplinary clinic that provides an array of services rooted in the IPNB framework. She recognizes the importance of a play-based, relationship-based approach to therapy that is rooted in regulation. She does contract work with various private schools in Pasadena, CA, particularly delivering teacher in-services and parent education on a variety of topics including promoting positive handwriting, sensory integration strategies in the classroom, how diet and sleep influence learning and regulation, and the impact of screen time on development and learning. Dr. Chaves lives in Pasadena, CA with her husband and 2 young children. Dr. Ashley Taylor is a licensed clinical pediatric psychologist with a practice in Pasadena, California. She is endorsed in California as an infant-family and early childhood mental health specialist.  She received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, and attended the Wright Institute in Berkeley California for her graduate training. She has worked in Vermont, Massachusetts, and California supporting children, families and educators for over 15 years. She specializes in providing comprehensive pediatric evaluations assessing for developmental delays, autism, trauma, ADHD and learning disabilities. She also provides parent-child dyadic mental health therapy as well as educator and parent trainings and workshops. She has provided evaluations and mental health services for the pediatric population across multiple settings including intensive day treatment programs, medical settings, schools, community mental health and private practice. She believes in the power of building healthy relationships to build healthy brains! Dr. Taylor is also the mom to two fun and active boys who are always ready for the next big adventure!

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Searching for the “Why?”
A Brief Introduction to Interpersonal Neurobiology
Applying a Brain-Based, Relational Lens to the Educational Setting
Chapter 2: Regulation as the Foundation for Learning
What Is “Regulation”?
Reframing the Developmental Expectations of Regulation
Developmental Milestones in Regulation
Promoting Regulation in the Classroom
Chapter 3: The Teacher-Student Dyad and Classroom Community
Understanding the Teacher-Student Dyad and Regulation-Response Cycle
The Power of Mirror Neurons
Harnessing the Positive Power of Mirror Neurons
Rupture and Repair
Facilitating the Continued Development of a Teacher-Student Dyad
Chapter 4: Foundations of Sensory Processing for Regulated Learning
Foundations of Sensory Processing in the Classroom
Teacher-Student Dyad and Sensory Processing
Sensory Systems and Their Impact on Learning
Facilitating Sensory Integration for More Engaged Learning
Chapter 5: Building a Sensory Smart Classroom
Sensory Preferences and Sensory Processing Disorder—What’s the Difference?
Recognizing Different School-Based Sensory Needs
Chapter 6: Developing an Awareness of Individual Differences and Promoting Integration
Recognizing Individual Differences
Moving Toward Integrated Learning
Teaching Students to Search for the Why
Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Nonverbal Learning Challenges
Giftedness and 2E
Other Common Diagnoses That Impact Learning
Common Misconceptions Regarding Learning Disabilities
The Power of Early Intervention
Supporting Integration of Students With Individual Differences
Chapter 7: Handwriting That Promotes Integrated Learning
Developmental and Sensorimotor Facets of Handwriting
Writing as an Integrated Brain Activity
Regulation and Handwriting
Facilitating Improved Handwriting
Chapter 8: Considerations for Specialty Teachers
A Note about Relationships and Regulation in Specialty Classes
Sensorimotor Factors in Specialty Classes
Learning Differences Unique to Specialty Classes
Boosting Regulation and Participation in Specialty Classes
Chapter 9: Redefining Behavior Plans
A Note About Behavior Plans
Structure, Appropriate Boundaries, and Clear Expectations
Natural Versus Punitive Consequences
The Power and Peril of Praise
The Lifespan of a Meltdown and In-The-Moment Strategies
Putting It All Together: A Newly Defined Behavior Plan
Chapter 10: Supporting Students Who Need Additional Help
Understanding Supports Within Your School
Accessing External Supports
Establishing a Teacher-Parent Dyad
Preparing for a Parent Meeting
References
Index