There are many contributing factors that impact a student’s ability to effectively learn. School districts have developed new programs and hired more professionals to address the needs of the students.

Despite these efforts, teachers are still the ones carrying the majority of the load. In addition to their many other responsibilities, they are the ones who initially try to manage the situation when a student has become disruptive. They are often the first to help a student calm down after they have been triggered. It is not unusual to have several students struggle to focus on an assignment. Many students struggle with anxiety.

Active learning stops when we are anxious or upset

The majority of teachers report that if the disruption or distraction is mild, they can typically manage that situation. However, if the situation continues to escalate, learning often stops for the entire classroom. In those moments, a teacher is no longer teaching but is managing a situation.

Bi-Tapp is a calming resource

The majority of students have been taught skills to help them manage their big emotions in healthy ways. However, the more upset a student is, the less likely they are to remember to use the skills they have been taught.

Many schools are utilizing Bi-Tapp as a reliable resource for their students to access in moments of heightened stress and anxiety. One set of tappers can be utilized hundreds of times throughout the school year by many different students. An elementary teacher of 18 years stated, “Even I have used the tappers myself on the days I can tell my anxiety is higher than normal.”

Bi-Tapp is a cost effective resource that is being used by students of all ages from K-12. Students using the tappers have shown progress in the following areas:

• Regulate emotions
• Improve Focus
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve mindfulness skills

I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Eric Bonnett, LCSW, School Social Worker for two elementary schools in Cedar City, Utah.