The Berry Street Education Model
Our school’s approach towards student mental health and wellbeing is underpinned by the Berry Street Educational Model (BSEM). Our staff incorporate a variety of strategies from within the model in our daily practice. BSEM is an education initiative based on proven positive education, trauma-informed and wellbeing practices that enable students’ academic and personal growth. The model is unique because it educates schools and their leaders to reinforce and sustain cognitive and behavioural change, thereby re-engaging young people in learning and progressing their academic achievement. Some of the whole-school strategies that have been implemented this year are Brain Breaks and Morning Circles.
Morning Circle
The first five minutes of class are critical for setting the tone for learning. Consistent routines support engagement in learning and wellbeing. The structured routine of forming a circle with our students to review key expectations and celebrate any announcements and successes, allows young people to ground themselves, co-regulate and establish a common rhythm for the learning day:
Brain Breaks
Our school is implementing brain breaks to enhance learning by offering short interruptions, typically lasting 2-4 minutes, aimed at revitalizing focus and attention. These breaks are strategically scheduled at various intervals throughout the day, clearly indicated on a visual timetable for easy reference by students.
Irrespective of age, everyone benefits from occasional breaks in concentrated attention. Whether we’re experiencing a dip in focus and energy that requires an escalation or an excess of energy that needs de-escalation, these breaks play a crucial role. By selecting the appropriate activity during these breaks teachers will ensure that students are primed and ‘Ready to Learn’ once more.
