TL;DR: Recognition Matters: To ensure students feel valued, learn and use their names correctly from day one. Names are an important part of their identity. Warm Welcomes: Greet students at the door with personalized gestures, like high fives or hugs, setting a positive tone and reinforcing that they are loved. Encourage Expression: Create opportunities for students to share their voices … Read More
Under the Leaves
TL;DR: Running and physical movement can be an escape to do a lot of reflective thinking. Epiphany: A once clear sidewalk was now covered with leaves. Tread carefully just like with students. The path may look different but the foundation of your relationship is still there. Love our students and connect with them daily. A Thinking Runner I am a … Read More
The Special One
TL;DR: We can’t reach the mind before we touch the heart. Focus on relationship building while still holding high expectations for students. It’s important to make each student feel special. The Favorite My grandma is 98 years old. She has 6 children, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Of her grandchildren, I am her only granddaughter, automatically making me the favorite. … Read More
Fostering a Safe Learning Enivironment
TL;DR: We need to foster a safe learning environment for students and ourselves. Focus on the students, not your subject area. Ask what’s going on before you correct a student. Write a welcoming message on your board daily and greet students using their name. Check in once a week with kids to see what you might want to change in … Read More
Back to School Blog Series
Back to School Blog Series Overview It’s that time of year where many people in the world of education are starting to think about the new school year. There are still many unknowns with the year ahead, but one thing is certain: forming relationships with students is crucial, no matter what role in education you have. This blog series shares … Read More