There’s a very special place at Independence Elementary.
“I love this place because it’s so magical, and so are the people here,” said one of the Loft’s student visitors.
But it’s not the cozy tent with stuffed animals that makes it so magical. It’s not the fun lights, coloring mural, fidget tools, or even the trampoline – it’s the people.
Melissa Trujillo, behavior regulation tech, and Lauren Bennett, school psychologist, spend a lot of time in the Loft. They spend time teaching students important skills, like how to regulate their energy and emotions. They spend time coming up with structured plans and interventions so students can stay on-track with their learning.
“Data is a huge part of what we do. There may be a misconception that places like this are just rooms where students play or avoid class,” said Bennett. “At the Loft, we create a lot of structure so students know what is expected of them and so there are genuine learning opportunities.”
The mental health team at Independence works with classroom teachers to help identify where a student could grow. Sometimes that’s learning time management, finding ways to calm down when feeling overwhelmed, and positive self-talk. One student even used positive self-talk before filming a video about the Loft to remember that it’s okay to be nervous with new things, and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Bennett and Trujillo also spend time thinking of ways to help students “graduate” from the Loft. As the staff members work with students, they build stronger relationships that help students gain and improve the skills they need to succeed in their classrooms. Students may be nervous at first, but often become more excited and engaged.
"But it’s kind of bittersweet, because the goal is for them to not need us,” said Trujillo. “While we will miss seeing them every day, they’re building the skills that they need to be in their classroom, so it is a win-win situation.”
Posted 12/11/2024.
