Toolbox is an evidence based program in use in a number of California schools.  Feedback from teachers, parents, administrators and children on the benefits of Toolbox for children’s development, self-mastery and academic readiness has been extremely positive.

The key benefits of Toolbox are:

• The Tools empower the individual child – help them to be present for the task of learning and not distracted by their emotions or social context – they are able to calm themselves, give their attention or advocate for their needs.
• Toolbox helps teachers keep the kids’ focus on learning – the Tools allow children to come to focus and minimize distractions
• Toolbox is easy to implement in the classroom – it takes little class time to introduce; children catch on quickly; the shared language and gestures provide for efficient class communication around behavioral and interpersonal issues.
• Implemented throughout a school, Toolbox supports the creation of a strong learning community – with values of mutual respect and empathy, children are provided a feeling of purpose.
• The Toolbox Home Connection program brings parents into the partnership – provides a common language and approach to support their child and the teacher.

Research: The Impact of Toolbox

In 2010, we partnered with WestEd – one of the nation’s preeminent educational research and development organizations – on a project funded by the Stuart Foundation (San Francisco).  The project encompassed curriculum development, implementation of the revised K-3 materials in the Wright School District (Santa Rosa, CA) and a pre-post assessment of the impact of Toolbox on students, school staff and parents/guardians.  The assessment measured changes in resiliency skills and assets; improved school climate and connectedness for children, teachers and staff; improved links between school and home; and the effectiveness of using Toolbox as part of a parenting program.  The research report is an affirmation of the significance of Toolbox on the positive development of children.  Download a copy of our Dovetail Learning – WestEd Research brief. To receive a copy of the full research report, please contact us.

“[The students] work with the Toolbox allowed them to have a connection with themselves. These kids were so self-possessed – poised – talking about their emotional lives. It was incredibly disarming.” ~ Sam Kimbels, PhD Jungian Analyst