ROOT
Root
Grounding & Foundation
Focus: Establish safety, assess readiness, set intentions
Methodology
The RootWork 5R Learning Cycle
Our trauma-informed tutoring flow centers safety, regulation, metacognition, and real-world transfer.
REGULATE
Regulate
Co-Regulation & Stabilization
Focus: Support return to window of tolerance
REFLECT
Reflect
Active Learning & Metacognition
Focus: Engage in learning with awareness
RESTORE
Restore
Error Recovery & Growth
Focus: Reframe mistakes as learning
RECONNECT
Reconnect
Application & Integration
Focus: Apply learning to real-world contexts
Phase transitions
| From | To | Trigger | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROOT | REFLECT | Student demonstrates readiness | Grounding check completed · Regulation level > 60 |
| ROOT | REGULATE | Student shows dysregulation | Regulation level < 40 · Distress signals detected |
| REGULATE | ROOT | Regulation restored | Regulation level > 60 · Student confirms readiness |
| REFLECT | REGULATE | Dysregulation detected during learning | Regulation level drops below 40 |
| REFLECT | RESTORE | Error occurs during learning | Student makes error · Error requires reframing |
| RESTORE | REFLECT | Error addressed, continue learning | Student acknowledges learning · Ready to continue |
| REFLECT | RECONNECT | Learning objective met | Mastery demonstrated · Session nearing end |
| RECONNECT | ROOT | Session complete, begin new cycle | Application exercise completed |