connecting with the disconnected

Connecting With the Disconnected

Chris WejrFort Nelson School District

February 26, 2016www.chriswejr.com

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Coming back…

Write down your greatest memory

as an educator.

What is the single best moment with a student that has stood out

to you over the years?Share this STORY with a partner.

What are 2 words that comes to mind when reflecting and

hearing our stories about students and teachers?

Write the 2 words on the sheet.Post at the back of the room.

Connections.

Relationships.

Moments.

Lessons from AMY

Slow downBe interesting

Be interested

Be more random

I used to think…

But now I think…

Connection: WHY?

CC Image from Megan Hess https://flic.kr/p/8o2eA2

2011 Study of Canadian Youth

http://bit.ly/1WpSyJX

Percentage of students who feel “I belong at

school”

Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011

Percentage of students who feel that “teachers

care about me”.

Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011

Concern: “As young people progress through school, they are less connected to school, at a time when their emotional well‑being is most vulnerable.”

Opportunity: “Positive school environments and higher levels of

teacher support are associated with more positive levels of mental health

and lower levels of behavioural problems in young people.”

We cannot teach a child without a connection.

6 x 5 x 106 hours a day - 5 days a week - 10 months a year 

From Carrie Gelson http://bit.ly/1WpTFJv

“Connection is why we are here. We are hardwired

to connect with

others -- Brene Brown

cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by Andrew: http://flickr.com/photos/30235101@N06/3344044448/

Relationships create experiences. Experiences create outcomes.

We need to know you to grow you.

-- Cheryl Bachelder, CEO, Popeyes

CC Image by Pix Spotting https://flic.kr/p/B6Hfsw

Remember Your WHY

CC Image from Hartwig HKD https://flic.kr/p/aqNgBr

They may forget what you said… but they will never forget how

you made them feel. —Carl W. Buehner

Connecting…

…With the disconnected

CC Image from

Marzia http://flic.kr/p/524Dsy

Who are…

the disconnected?CC Image from Sandra Donoso https://flic.kr/p/sGqLo

The kids who need the most LOVE will often ask for it in the most unloving

ways. ~ Russell

BarkleyCC image from Madstreetz https://flic.kr/p/3n5Rik

HOW do we connect?

1. Be Interested. Make the time.

Listen.

6 Keys to Connecting

Make the TIME to connect. Make it a priority.

CC Image from Toni Carbo https://flic.kr/p/4tNrxq

Greet them… Every Child. Every day.

Small gestures make a big impact

Video:

You are valued. You matter.-- Angela Maiers

CC Image from TEDx PSUBerks https://flic.kr/p/p8cnMo

Learning with meaning… time for connection.

http://youtu.be/-S-5EfwpFOk

Listen with your eyes

CC Image from Richard Wood https://flic.kr/p/8iYKxc

Talk Less

Listen More

CC Image from Mollybob https://flic.kr/p/691uE j

Are we REALLY listening?

Video: https://youtu.be/-4EDhdAHrOg

Image: http://flic.kr/p/j3VJg

Seek First to Understand

-- Stephen Covey

Speak WITH Students

CC Image from M. Coghlan https://flic.kr/p/djHWoN

To a child, trust is spelled T-I-M-EJosh Shipp

1. Be Interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths:

theirs AND yours.

6 Keys to Connecting

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We find what we are looking for.

DomConnecting with Dom

CC Image From Tony Baldasaro https://flic.kr/p/cDBuUs

CC Image from Terry Priest https://flic.kr/p/hrxqQ

Find the Fireflies

Rachel Macy Stafford

Create leadership opportunities in areas of strength.

Use YOUR Strengths Get involved.

1. Be Interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths: theirs AND yours.3. Celebrate and build

on success.

6 Keys to Connecting

Find, Capture, and Share the GOOD.

CC image from Sarah Reid https://flic.kr/p/5KMhLN

Celebrate small successes… privately

CC image from B. Tulk https://flic.kr/p/ddfcA8

Create a NEW streak.

CC Image by Ladyvee9 https://flic.kr/p/8dwV21

A streak starts with ONE.Start a NEW streak.

1. Be interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths: theirs AND yours.3. Celebrate and build on success.4. Be interesting.

6 Keys to Connecting

CC Image from Anthony Easton https://flic.kr/p/gNJvS

Share who you are. Let people in.

Let it go.

Smile.Laugh.

“Would YOU want to be in your class?”George Couros

Be engaging. Be relevant.

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Making school meaningful

Photo: Mike Carter, Alaska Highway News

1. Be interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths: theirs AND yours.3. Celebrate and build on success.4. Be interesting.5. Create a sense of belonging.

6 Keys to Connecting

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

We were created for significance…

one of the most dangerous things

that can happen to us is

the feeling that we don’t matter.

- Angela MaiersCC Image from Royce Bair https://flic.kr/p/7icRw2

The Wrecking Ball

A Story of Inclusion

and Belonging

CC Image from Michele M.F. https://flic.kr/p/qhgXmZ

Does every student feel worthy in some way?

Does every child feel like they belong?

1. Be interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths: theirs AND yours.3. Celebrate and build on success.4. Be interesting.5. Create a sense of belonging.6. Lead with your heart.

6 Keys to Connecting

Teach and lead with an

ethic of care

CC Image from John K. https://flic.kr/p/8fC6yP

“Students learn what they care about, from people they care about, and

who, they know, care about them.” Barbara Harrell Carson

Every kid needs a champion. Rita Pierson

Photo from RE Mountain Sec

Alex

1. Be interested. Make the time. Listen.2. Start with strengths: theirs AND yours.3. Celebrate and build on success.4. Be interesting.5. Create a sense of belonging.6. Lead with your heart.

6 KEYS to Connecting

HOW do we do this with so many

students?

CC Image from Jack Lyons https://flic.kr/p/wTg4L

Start with noticing what you ALREADY do to

connect.

Notice the connections you already have.

Start small.Start with ONE.

Create the time and space for connections beyond your

class.

CC Image from Denise Krebs https://flic.kr/p/edG2ee

School Culture

Create ways for new students to connect with each other and to the

school

Valentine’s Connection Project

Langley Secondary School

My Students OUR Students

“The Sleeper”

https://youtu.be/mZedcQoY0iw

Remember your WHY.Make it a priority.Start with ONE.

Go together.Connect with the disconnected.

CC Image from Kynan Tait https://flic.kr/p/drn16T

Thank you!www.chriswejr.com