Message from the Pyramid Model State Implementation Team
The Pyramid Model State Implementation Team (SIT) is here for you! We are committed to supporting your programs as you install, implement, scale up, and sustain the Pyramid Model! We appreciate your commitment to supporting MN’s youngest learners and their families in social emotional development and learning! The work you do is invaluable and the dedication you show day in and day out is noticed!
Our State Implementation Team goals for this school year include action steps to:
Goal 1: Support programs in developing Behavior Guidance policies
Goal 2: Create resources to support teams when changes occur to the system
Goal 3: Create support to “veteran teams” on how to blend other instructional efforts into Pyramid Model Framework
In Partnership,
Pyramid Model Communications Workgroup
Pyramid Model State Implementation Team
BIRs data and how it is used
What is a Calming Corner and why do I need one?
A calming corner is exactly what it sounds like! It is a small space within the classroom that students can visit when their emotions start to heighten or they feel they need some quiet time. Preschoolers are still learning how to identify, manage, and cope with big feelings and a calming corner provides them a safe space to do so.
A calming corner is separate from a “sensory break,” as the calming corner can be accessed by any student, at any time, and does not necessitate the student leaving the classroom. An adult may be necessary to assist the child in learning how to utilize the calming corner in an efficient way that helps to regulate his/her body. In addition, at times sensory breaks are used to help rev a student’s body up, versus calm a student.
A calming corner is designed to help proactively address students’ emotions before a big “release” occurs. If a student is experiencing big emotions, a calming corner may not be effective in the moment, but can help a student during the de-escalation phase. Below are some resources on how to create a calming corner within your classroom.
Spanish Translation Help Us Stay Calm
Resource for Parents to Create Calming Space at Home
Here are some items to consider placing in your calming corner. Remember, it should feel small and cozy!
- Bean Bag chair(s)
- Pillows
- Squeeze/stress balls
- Breathing balls
- Blanket(s)
- Relaxation Glitter Jars
- Timers
- Fidgets
- Books
- Notebooks or paper and crayons/markers for drawing
There are many resources available online and on the NCPMI website that include everything you need to create a calming kit to keep in your corner.
Pyramid at Home
October 2023 – The Pyramid at Home Series now has the following documents translated:
- Pyramid at Home: Emotions (English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. Ojibwe translation coming soon!)
- Pyramid at Home: Problem Solving (English, Hmong, Ojibwe, Somali and Spanish)
- Pyramid at Home: Routines (English, Hmong, Ojibwe, Somali and Spanish)
- Pyramid at Home: Sharing (English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. Ojibwe translation coming soon!)
2023-24 Training Calendars
The 2023-24 Training Calendars are posted on the MNCoE Pyramid Model Share Site. MNCoE continues to offer in-person (north, metro, and south) and virtual statewide training opportunities. Please remember to register in advance to help us best plan for your attendance.
MNCoE values our partnership with every program in Minnesota and looks forward to continued opportunities to work together for the benefit of all children and families.
Attention Parent Educators: Positive Solutions Workshop Series Coming this fall
Join Parent Educators throughout MN in exploring the updated Positive Solutions 7 session workshop series from NCPMI! We are meeting for three 1-hour virtual sessions to discuss how you might want to roll out Positive Solutions in your program! Click on the image to the right for additional details.
Internal Sustainability Resources
Grab n’ Go PD on PM Share Site
A huge shout out and thank you to the Perham-Dent Pyramid Model Team and special thanks to Laura Lamb for creating and sharing these amazing Tier 2 internal Professional Development modules with all of us.
Looking for quick ideas on how to teach a social or emotional skill? Access 10-20 minute webinars that each include teaching strategies, material recommendation, and video demonstration of the following skills:
- Sharing
- Cooperating
- Joining Play
- Giving a Play Ideas
- Emotional Literacy
- Taking Turns
- Giving Compliments
- Problem Solving
- Self Regulation
- Critical Reflection
You are access these from the Pyramid Model Share Site
Program MTSS & PTR-YC resources
Many districts are examining their use of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), which may leave some sites wondering how to embed MTSS into the Pyramid Model Framework. Good news! Pyramid Model emmulates the MTSS framework very closely and the two can co-exist rather seamlessly. Westonka and Minnetonka Public Schools have created Handbooks to help walk their preschool teams through the process of “marrying” MTSS and PTR-YC/Pyramid Model. Take a look and see how you may create something similar for your own site!
Creating Positive Behavior Guidance Policies for your Program
Looking to create or revise a Positive Behavior Guidance Policy for your Early Childhood Program? The Teaching and Guidance Policy Essentials Checklist (TAGPEC) is a tool featured in the book called Effective Discipline Policies: How to Create a System That Supports Young Children's Social-Emotional Competence that is designed specifically for preschool to third grade. The TAGPEC consists of a 30-item checklist that will support your program in developing, evaluating, implementing, and/ore revising early childhood behavior guidance policies. It reflects state level EL standards and is aligned to Head Start’s Early Learning Framework and the CLASS. Connect with your External Coach/PDF if you would like to partner in using this resource in your program.
