Helping Reading Mentors build strong relationships with students is central to Lead to Read KC’s mission to support the social, emotional and reading skills that are foundational for student success.
As a follow up to Connections Matter, our September 2021 Lunch & Learn presented by Rachelle Soden of the Kansas Children’s Service League, here are some key takeaways:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) adversely affect brain development and increase risk for poor social outcomes, disease and death
- Caring connections—such as those made in Lead to Read KC—serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma
- The little things we do to connect make a big difference
- Children who have strong relationships with caring adults are more likely to succeed academically
- Lots of different relationships help our brains to thrive in good times and get through tough times—and adults can keep adding connections, too
- Resilience is a skill that can be taught, learned and practiced
- Communities working together to build relationships and resilience have lower rates of childhood trauma and health problems in the next generation
Add it all up, and it’s clear: Positive relationships with caring adults can change a child’s life.
Many thanks to everyone who attended the training! What a great turnout! And, special thanks to our presenter, Rachelle Soden!
Videos Referenced in the Connections Matter Presentation
- Giving traumatized kids a head start in healing
- How Brains are Built: The Core Story of Brain Development
- Teachers welcome students as they return to the classroom | WNT
Additional Resources
- Check out Lead to Read KC’s Questions to Ask Your Student for more ideas on how to get the conversation started with a young person in your life
- Additional Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Information: Your Number Story – Your number is the story of your ACE history
- Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime
- The HOPE information (Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences) from Dr. Robert Sege: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences: HOPE
- Dr. Bruce Perry Video Series: NN COVID-19 Stress, Distress & Trauma Series
- Books: The Deepest Well (Nadine Burke Harris), The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (Bruce Perry), The Body Keeps the Score (Bessel van der Kolk)
- Movies: Paper Tigers and No Small Matter
- 1-800-CHILDREN staff are in your corner providing anonymous, judgment-free support. Families can easily connect with the information, local resources, and support they need 24/7, even if what they need is just a listening ear. No question is off limits!
