Behind the Masks

Becky ThalBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: We are not getting the full picture when we see our students with masks on. Take time to get to know your students and who they are behind the masks. Check-in with your students not just on an academic level, but on a social-emotional one as well. I consider myself lucky that I’ve been able to be in-person with … Read More

Building Trusting Relationships in Your School Community

Monica Gupta MehtaBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Build trusting relationships at all levels of your school community by creating safe relationships for students, establishing advisory programs, encouraging parent volunteers, and checking in with teachers. Improve emotional health by starting each day with a welcoming or inclusion activity, embedding engagement strategies, and end with an optimistic closing and time for reflection. Every person in this country has … Read More

The Role of Socializing in Adolescent Development

Monica Gupta MehtaBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Socializing is an important factor in adolescent development. Emotional health impacts one’s physical health. Technology has both positive and negative uses, so be mindful of how your students are utilizing it. It’s important for everyone to still socialize in a variety of ways, as long as staying safe is a priority. “Both/And” Thinking is a more positive perspective than … Read More

4 Ways To Rebuild Your Students’ Emotional Health

Monica Gupta MehtaBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Rebuild your students’ emotional health by modeling behaviors, understanding emotions, addressing social skills, and sharing strategies for emotional regulation. Checking in with students and incorporating passion projects, mindful moments, and dialogue journals into your classroom are just some of the other strategies shared to address your students’ emotional health. We are experiencing the hardest year of teaching in modern … Read More