connecting with the disconnected
TRANSCRIPT
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…
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
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
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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Image from Jeff Dickson
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