It is time for us to integrate and act on... what we currently know about how our young can flourish in our schools.
We can begin to create places where children thrive and grow into their potential.
We know the growth needs of all humans.
4 Universal Growth Needs- Circle of Courage Model
• Belonging- Am I important to somebody here?
• Mastery- Am I good at something here?
• Independence- Can I influence my world here?
• Generosity- How can I share my gifts to help others here?
1. Environments that Create a Sense of Belonging/Attachment
Educators.....Express CARE-
Show that you like me and want the best for me.
- Be Present— Pay attention when you are with me.
- Be Warm— Let me know that you like being with me and express positive feelings toward me.
- Invest— Commit time and energy to doing things for and with me.
- Show Interest— Make it a priority to understand who I am and what I care about.
- Be Dependable— Be someone I can count on and trust.
2. Environments that Create a Sense of Achievement/Mastery
CHALLENGE Growth- Insist that I try to continuously improve.
- Inspire—Help me see future possibilities for myself.
- Expect—Make it clear that you want me to live up to my potential.
- Stretch—Recognize my thoughts and abilities while also pushing me to strengthen them.
- Limit—Hold me accountable for appropriate boundaries and rules.
3. Create Islands of Competency for All Kids
Provide SUPPORT--Help me complete tasks and achieve goals.
- Encourage—Praise my efforts and achievements.
- Guide—Provide practical assistance and feedback to help me learn.
- Model—Be an example I can learn from and admire.
- Advocate—Stand up for me when I need it.
4. Environments that Create a Sense of-Autonomy/Independence
Share POWER- Hear my voice and let me share in making decisions.
- Respect—Take me seriously and treat me fairly.
- Give Voice—Ask for and listen to my opinions and consider them when you make decisions.
- Respond—Understand and adjust to my needs, interests, and abilities.
- Collaborate—Work with me to accomplish goals and solve problems.
5. Environments that Create a Sense of Altruism/Generosity
Expand POSSIBILITIES- Expand my horizons &connect me to opportunities.
- Explore—Expose me to new ideas, experiences, and places.
- Connect—Introduce me to people who can help me grow.
- Navigate—Help me work through barriers that could stop me from achieving my goals.
Added to the growth needs we can add what we currently know about how our brains learn:
4 Brain Compatible Classroom Principles
- SAFETY- Classroom must be a safe, caring, and trusting environment before learning can take place.
- RESPECT- Children flourish when their unique combination of personality and learning styles are encouraged and respected.
- NOVELTY- Teachers create the weather in their classrooms. We can create positive emotional states that promote engagement and learning.
- MEMORY- Tapping into existing knowledge as well as emotional memories will increase retention.
Let us start now to create the soil in which all kids will thrive!!
Let me know what you think?
Seminars available for schools.
Michael
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