How to get the most out of your Thrive training
Whether you have undertaken a day’s training with us or ten, we realise that Thrive courses cover various subjects, which can sometimes result in brain overload.
Anne Barnes, Thrive Trainer and Regional Development Manager for the North East, gives her top tips for getting the most out of your Thrive training.
Know your learning style
Read the delegates reference book which is a key document for people on courses. Not only does this book contain essential information that will aid you on your course, it also contains a recommended reading list which will really help you read more widely around the theory underpinning Thrive. . There are also supporting papers on various subjects available through your Online Profile
Demonstrations and films clips are a huge part of Thrive training. If you would like access to any of the resources you have seen, please ask! As well as offering recommended reading our trainers can point you in the direction of some great visual resources.
Revise and practice
Self-awareness is a central part of the Thrive Approach. Increasing your understanding of how you respond to stress will help you stay steadier when children you are working with disregulate. There will be many, many opportunities on the training for building self-awareness through experiential learning, activities and discussions. Notice how you respond and remember there isn’t a right or wrong response, just your response.
Assessment is a crucial part of Thrive Licensed training courses. Although we won’t sit you down and make you take an exam, we will ask questions of the group to ensure everyone is taking in the information. If you feel you aren’t taking in the information as quickly as you would like then read and watch resources, or talk to a trainer in your spare time. As well as being available via email, you can also get in contact with your trainer by using the Thrive Forum
Once the training has finished, the key resource you have to support your practice is Thrive-Online. Use it as much as you can, as this is the way you’ll be able to ensure your plans for individual children are focussed and specific and measured. It’s the repeated relational experiences that will help reshape their stress management system and allow them to access their learning.
Make yourself as comfortable as possible
Thrive trainers should make you aware of the scheduling of the day, but if they haven’t do ask! We know it’s vital to know when your next coffee break is coming up!
Likewise, if you are too hot or cold throughout training, please let your trainer know. Environment is key to learning and we want you to have the best experience possible;
Our trainers will always make you aware of the fire exits, toilets and where refreshments can be bought, but it’s always worth having a little look around the venue and getting to grips with your surroundings;
Plan for the future
Thrive in Education is a whole school approach and is most effective when implemented as such. If your school has just introduced Thrive, then it’s worth considering who of your colleagues would be best placed to support you in your practice. Building a “group” of supporters will really help develop and embed the approach;
There will be opportunities on your training to consider how best to spread the word about Thrive, both with colleagues and parents. Many delegates run twilight sessions to disseminate their learning, or use staff meetings to brief colleagues. Parents could learn about Thrive through a coffee morning or information board that indicates who the Thrive Licensed Practitioners are if they want to discuss it further;
If you have any concerns about implementing your Thrive training once you are back in your setting, do speak with your trainer or someone on the Thrive Member Services team;
Many delegates use their learning from the training to help review and amend school policies, particularly those focussed on behaviour management and safeguarding. There are sample policies available to view through your Online profile.
To find out all about the courses Thrive offer click here