How can we be so connected through technology and yet feel so unconnected to other people? Relationships with others are an important part of emotional well-being and are more important than ever. As a new school year unfolds, work to create these three important connections and the learning will follow.
Join a free webinar: Promoting Connections and Community Among Staff and Students
hosted by Dr. Megan Horsh & Brad Theys
During this session, we will discuss specific and practical ways to foster relationships in a school setting, be it brick and mortar or virtual. We’ll talk about connecting with your fellow educators, your students, and your students’ families.
Friday, Sept. 4th, 2020 from Noon until1:00 pm EST.
Visit IU8's Extended Campus website for more webinars and teacher resources. https://www.myextendedcampus.com/
These three connections you make today will have a direct, positive impact on your learners (and you)!
#1 Connect with Fellow Educators
Join a professional learning network at your school, or online. Many PLN's have formed across social media since school closures in the Spring of 2020. Search for groups on Facebook or follow your favorite educators on Twitter. Ask questions, share resources, and offer support. The support will come back to you over and over again. Explore more in the article, 7 Ways to Become A More Connected Educator Today.
#2 Connect with Your Learners
Whether online or in-person, take the time to tell stories to your learners, and listen to their stories. Learn about their lives and families. Take the first five minutes of class (online or in-person) to engage students in conversation. Talk about music, sports, video games, hobbies, or something in the news and how it impacts them. This starts to build foundational connections. Read more in the article, 3 Ways to Make Meaningful Connections with Your Students.
#3 Connect with Parents
With technology, you probably have a direct line to parents now, as they have for you. Use that direct line strategically to partner with parents in the learning process. Especially if your students have any virtual learning time, you will be relying on parents to provide guidance and support for learners. They rely on you to do the same. Check out the article, Improving Your Parent-Outreach Strategy.
Regardless of what this year might throw our way, the strategies shared in the webinar and articles will help you build the fundamental relationships that will make this year a success.
Comments