Professional Learning March 16, 2015 BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Connecting with students. Why bother? In the words of Barbara Coloroso ….. “Kids are worth it!”

Where do you begin? Start with building positive relationships! eNx41fdvg Dr. Wayne Hammond

Review: Dr. Wayne Hammond’s message is centered on creating Strength Based Practices. He has an absolute belief that “every person has potential and it is their unique strengths and capabilities that will determine their evolving story, as well as define who they are not their limitations. Positive change occurs in the context of authentic relationships - people need to know someone cares and will be there unconditionally for them.”

Three kinds of connections (Allen Mendler) Personal connection Academic connection Social connection

Specific Personal Connection Strategies Collect personal index cards – get to know your students Smile! Say good morning to every student you see in the hall Be at the door to greet students. Send home birthday greetings Keep pictures of your family and friends posted Ask questions! Especially try to get opinions from those that rarely offer Do the “2x10” – make a commitment to invest 2 undivided minutes a day for 10 consecutive days with a student to build a relationship

Strategies continued Use the 4H method – handshake, high five, “How are you?”, hug Think aloud – share what you are thinking Notes of appreciation. Give occasional “positive paradoxical “ notes – a positive note shortly after they have done something inappropriate Allow students to borrow personal artifacts Play music Acknowledge a personal imperfection Establish predictable rules and routines Call home!!!!!

Strategies continued Apologize when you blow it! Be sincere. Notice when someone is acting differently and acknowledge it. Show up at events Notice absences. – phone, Have fun together!!!!

Questions for the educator to help develop personal connection. (Mendler) 1.Do I believe that the student I currently see is all he or she will become? 2.Do I believe people change? 3.Do I realize that teaching my most challenging child is what being a professional educator is all about? 4.Do I truly believe that the students I teach are more important than the content that I am teaching?

Academic Connection Strategies Ask a nonparticipating student an open ended question Respond non evaluatively at least 3 times per class Offer adequate wait time Consult others Show students they can over come obstacles Display student work Specify daily learning objectives Learn from your students!

Questions for the Educator to Help Develop Academic Connection (Mendler) 1.Are there some teachers that you had that might be surprised by how well you have done in your life? 2.Try to give your students a dream. 3.Do you create excitement and challenge that your students don’t want to miss? 4.Do you allow your students to explore and build on the material? 5.Are you excited to know that not all of your students learn and act exactly the same way. 6.What can you do to promote learning that a computer cannot.

Social Connection Strategies Have a thank you board Encourage your class to sponsor a charity event or fundraiser Survey the class Use “think-pair-share” Ask for summary to promote listening Encourage students to help with each others problems Let students make some of the rules Agree to change a rule students resist, as long as they provide an acceptable alternative

Questions for the Educator to Develop Social Connection (Mendler) 1.Do you spend time helping students get to know each other? 2.What specific activities would work for you? 3.Do you allow and encourage their interests to become part of your class? 4.Are you highlighting specific ways that students can get along with each other? 5.When put-downs etc happen do you set limits, stop class to address the issue in a manner that gets students thinking and problem solving? 6.Are there specific ways that exist for all students, including those that are shy to express their concerns?

5 Tips for better relationships with students (from the NEA National Education Association) 1.Become a popular teacher 2.Get to know your students 3.Protect students’ self esteem 4.Build goodwill on good days 5.Listen to students

Final Tips! (Derrick Meador) Teach with enthusiasm ! Quote “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs (Annette’s “mission statement”) Have a positive attitude Provide structure Incorporate humour Use student interests Show an interest in their lives outside of school Incorporate story telling Treat students with respect Go the extra mile!!!!!! Students are why we are here!!!!

The last word!