Educators are typically very familiar with the research that describes the effectiveness of having strong relationships with students. As an elementary school staff, we have discussed the importance of building relationships and personal connections with our students. We have shared ideas as to how some teachers build these relationships. Our teachers greet our students at the door each morning and personally greet them as they load the buses to go home. However, we wondered if every student in our school has a personal connection with an adult at our school.
The process for identifying personal connections started when we watched Paper Tigers as a staff. This powerful documentary is about Lincoln High School, located in Wala Wala, Washington, and the efforts the staff took to assist students who don’t have the same opportunities as others. This documentary was both moving and provocative and it led to many deep conversations as a staff. The idea came from this movie and manifested itself into our process to identify personal connections with our students.
During a staff meeting, where we had all of our all staff in attendance, we explored the power of personal connections and truly understanding our students’ stories. We started the staff meeting by watching the 12-minute video ReMoved. After watching this video, we briefly talked about the importance of knowing our students’ stories and the connections we have with our students.
To read more of Matt Wachel is an elementary assistant principal's inservice guest blog, please click here.
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