What if the key to academic success lies in unlocking the emotional intelligence within us? In the educational landscape, connecting seemingly disparate pieces (i.e. trauma and academic performance) starts with identifying and affirming four key connections that impact students: 1. WHO they are,
2. WHAT they bring with them (background),
3. HOW they appropriately engage, and
4. WHY THEY DO/DON'T engage Dr. DeShanna Reed introduces a paradigm shift for students and educators alike using the power of trauma-informed practices linked with critical elements for academic, social, and emotional growth at the middle school level. Based on her background in Behavioral Health research and years of experience as a classroom educator and administrator, Dr. Reed designed and implemented a research study exploring the link between student behavior and a seemingly unrelated construct - literacy. The goals were to underscore the direct link between literacy (specifically word fluency), behavior, and social-emotional learning for students, empower them to take ownership of their academic, social, and emotional growth, and provide educators with similar space to do the same professionally. The study yielded remarkable results from the student participants both academically and behaviorally. Modeled after the structured activities used in Dr. Reed's study, the Write to Thrive: Expressive Interactive Journal Student Edition is an innovative blend of academia and empathy, transcending traditional educational practices. Write to Thrive provides students with trauma-informed and reflective affirmatory activities designed to improve academic, behavioral, social, and emotional learning by addressing the four key connections that impact learning and encouraging student ownership of their holistic success.