November 8, 2024
These essential skills form the foundation for creating a positive, productive learning environment where students can thrive. In this week's blog post, I want to dive deep into the classroom process and share some strategies for how teachers can effectively cultivate these critical abilities.
Working With Others Teamwork and collaboration are vital skills for success both in the classroom and beyond. Teachers can foster these abilities by:
- Assigning group projects that require students to work together toward a common goal
- Modeling effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution
- Providing opportunities for students to swap roles and perspectives within their teams
Staying on Task Maintaining focus and meeting deadlines are crucial for academic achievement. Educators can help students develop strong time management and self-regulation skills by:
- Breaking down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable steps
- Encouraging the use of planners, calendars, and to-do lists
- Incorporating movement breaks and other strategies to mitigate restlessness
Having a Conversation The ability to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue is a lifelong asset. Teachers can nurture these interpersonal abilities by:
- Facilitating Socratic seminars and classroom discussions
- Teaching active listening techniques like paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions
- Providing sentence starters and prompts to guide student interactions
Appropriate Voice Tone Modulating one's voice to suit the situation is a vital social skill. Instructors can help students master this by:
- Modeling appropriate volume and tone in their own speech
- Role-playing different scenarios that call for varying vocal styles
- Providing feedback and coaching on students' use of voice
Following Instructions Adhering to guidelines and procedures is essential for academic and professional success. Educators can reinforce this skill by:
- Clearly communicating expectations and step-by-step directions
- Checking for student understanding through questioning and observation
- Praising students who demonstrate strong compliance and attention to detail
Now, here is an example I had AI come up with on how teacher can have a thoughtful conversation with a student who is struggling to meet these expectations.
Imagine a student named Alex who frequently blurts out answers in class without raising their hand. The teacher, Ms. Garcia, notices this disruptive behavior and decides to address it privately.
Ms. Garcia pulls Alex aside after class and says, "Alex, I wanted to check in with you about something I've noticed in class. I've seen you answering questions without raising your hand, and that can be disruptive to the learning environment. Can we talk about what's going on and see how we can work together to help you participate more appropriately?"
By using a calm, curious tone and framing the conversation as a collaborative effort, Ms. Garcia creates an open dialogue. She then listens attentively as Alex explains that they get excited and want to share their ideas, but acknowledges that interrupting can be problematic.
Together, Ms. Garcia and Alex brainstorm some strategies, such as:
- Using a subtle hand signal to indicate when Alex has an idea
- Allowing Alex to write down thoughts to share during designated discussion times
- Providing Alex with a "pass" card they can use a limited number of times per class
Ms. Garcia emphasizes that she wants to support Alex's enthusiasm and participation, but in a way that respects the needs of the whole class. By having an open, solution-focused dialogue, they are able to arrive at a mutually agreeable plan.
Conversations like this, grounded in the key skills of the Boys Town Well Managed School Program, empower both students and teachers to create a classroom environment that is productive, respectful, and conducive to learning. As we continue to refine our implementation of this transformative program, I'm confident that our school will see continued growth and success.
Important Upcoming Dates
- November 9: Evac Drill 10:45 am
- November 15: Trimester 1 Ends
- November 18: 4:00 pm Semester 1 PASS Plans Due
- November 18: 8:00 am Trimester 1 Grades Due
- December 1: New Course Proposals Due
Mark
Assistant Principal's Happenings
TLDR? Be sure to see my last announcement.....
Things I'm Learning: CPI: Rational Detachment
CPI is about responding to individuals in crisis. Sometimes that looks like a student or adult that is so overwhelmed with anxiety or anger that their pre-frontal cortex shuts down and they enter the fear/fright/flight/freeze mode.
"Rational Detachment" is a skill that we can build as individuals to not become emotionally wrapped up in the crisis situation that is unfolding before us. If I become emotionally involved (I.e., angry, upset, etc.) I am more likely to feed the cycle that is causing this individual to lose control. Rational detachment is the ability to objectively identify the crisis level the person is in and choose the approach best suited to that level. It is recognizing the need to remain professional by managing my own behavior and attitude.
Am I able to remain calm if the student insults me? What if the student is purposefully trying to get me to react?
This ties in nicely with our Boys' Town training regarding de-escalation. Also, my favorite quote of that training: "If you don't want them to get your goat, don't tell them where you tied it up!".
Things I'm Thinking About:
What do we want our school culture to be about? This requires some in-depth reflection and discussion, but I think a big part of it should be wrapped up in the messages we send students and parents --
Our main message to students: we care about you and want you to succeed. Question to wrestle with: When is the last time I told a student that I cared about them and their well-being? Especially if I am frustrated with that student?
Our main message to parents, through emails and face-to-face meetings: we care about your child and want them to succeed. Question to wrestle with: When I communicate with parents, am I striking the proper tone, even when frustrated with the student? Do I communicate when things have gone well?
I don't always get this right, but I'm starting to become more self-aware.
Things to Announce:
Next week: I'll be gone on Monday for a funeral. I will be out of the building most of Tuesday afternoon for pre-scheduled appointments.
Next week: Our first cell phone and smart watch "Reset Week". We started strong as a staff with requiring students to place phones and smart watches in the holders to start the class period. Over time, we've started to wane a little. That is natural. But next week is "Reset Week" -- we are emphasizing a return to placing all electronics in the pockets. Please do your part to enforce this. I will make an announcement this morning.
Grateful for our team,
Moss
Upcoming Activities
5:00 pm Boys Swimming vs. Spencer
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