Sometimes it is difficult for students to know how to get along with one another. They can exclude each other or be unkind. Sometimes a student makes a mistake and it's difficult to know how to forgive them and still be friends with them. We share two wordless picture books that will help navigate how to respond to these situations.

Takeaways

• Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for teaching empathy.
• Books like I Walk With Vanessa and I Forgive Alex help students understand social dynamics.
• Narrating social situations allows students to reflect on their own experiences.
• Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a supportive classroom environment.
• Teachers can use these books to address real-life problems students face.
• Students can learn to predict and problem-solve social situations through storytelling.
• The books encourage students to think about their roles in social interactions.
• Using wordless books helps students of all ages engage with complex social issues.

Links

• I Walk With Vanessa: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
• I Forgive Alex: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
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Tricky behaviors happen in all classrooms. When we have a plan for how to respond, we are able to relax and focus our attention on the the act of teaching. We share a simple framework to respond to tricky behaviors. It is called the OWL Framework and it helps us stay rooted in connecting to students and keeping our attention on learning. This is Sticky Hope.

Takeaways

• Tricky behavior is common in classrooms and requires proactive strategies.
• The OWL framework helps manage behavior: Open to connection, Work to de-escalate, Return to learning.
• Connection over correction fosters a supportive learning environment.
• Teachers' biases can impact their interactions with students.
• Proximity can help de-escalate situations.
• Practicing regulation tools with students prepares them for moments of dysregulation.
• Returning to learning quickly after de-escalation is crucial.
• It's important to maintain a calm and kind demeanor in challenging situations.
• The OWL framework is a practical tool for managing classroom behavior.

Download the O.W.L. Framework by clicking on this link: https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/

Sometimes it feels like we're doing all of the things, but until we pay close enough attention to track behaviors we can be fooled by our brains. There are many empty promises when it comes to navigating tricky behaviors, but we know that trauma doesn't play fair. A first step to discovering how to nourish heatlhy regulation is to get an accurate understanding of the tricky behaviors happening in our classrooms. Use the "What's Happening?" sheet as a simple and quick baseline to begin a conversation about how to navigate the tricky behaviors popping up in all of our classrooms.

Timeline

00:00 Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle
02:47 Understanding Tricky Behaviors in Children
05:38 The Impact of Trauma on Behavior
08:12 Identifying Dysregulation in Children
10:42 Tracking Behaviors for Better Understanding
13:11 Takeaways

Takeaways

• Understanding tricky behaviors requires a deeper analysis.
• Trauma impacts behavior and requires thoughtful approaches.
• Identifying dysregulation is key to supporting children.
• Tracking behaviors helps demystify children's actions.
• Teachers should not blame themselves for children's behaviors.
• Patterns in behavior can guide effective interventions.
• Slowing down to observe can lead to better insights.

We take some time to consider how to nourish the identity of a learner within students, and then what habits we can encourage. We consider creative and tactile ways to help students accept the identity of a learner as part of a classroom vision or mission.

Timeline

00:00 Building Identities in Education
03:05 The Power of Self-Identity
05:34 Creating a Classroom Community
08:07 Art as a Tool for Identity
10:49 Navigating Tricky Behaviors with Compassion
12:23 Takeaways

Takeaways

• Building identities in children is crucial for their learning.
• Self-identity influences actions and habits.
• Educators must reflect on their own identities.
• Positive narratives can shift student perceptions.
• Art can serve as a powerful tool for identity building.
• Classroom charters help establish community values.
• Compassion is key in addressing challenging behaviors.
• Students' identities are shaped by peer perceptions.
• Creating tangible reminders can reinforce classroom identity.
• Navigating tricky behaviors is part of the teaching landscape.

Links

• Choice Literacy Article: "Creating a Classroom Emotional Intelligence Charter" by Mandy Robek
• NPR article: "Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain" by Malaka Gharib
• If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up using the form below!

This season we are focused on the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the importance of awe -- that feeling of seeing a beautiful sunrise or when someone overcomes a trial -- and the way awe can help us stay grounded and calm. We also share ways to create a sense of belonging in our classroom communities.

Timeline

00:00 The Joy of Teaching and Belonging
03:00 Finding Awe in Challenging Moments
05:29 The Power of Perseverance and Resilience
08:08 Celebrating Passion and Curiosity in the Classroom
10:47 Creating a Belonging Bubble
13:31 Mindset Shifts for Positive Classroom Experiences
16:06 The Importance of an Awe Journal
17:02 Takeaways

Takeaways

• Awe in learning can inspire both teachers and students.
• Recognizing positive behaviors can shift our perspective on challenging moments.
• Celebrating students' passions can enhance classroom dynamics.
• Belonging is crucial for students, especially those from difficult backgrounds.
• Teachers should strive to be enamored by their students' uniqueness.
• Creating a culture of celebration can improve classroom behavior.
• Reflection on awe can help teachers maintain a positive outlook.
• An awe journal can serve as a reminder of joyful moments in teaching.

This season we are focused on connection first and the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. One way to build connections is through books, so we decided to include a few book-ish episodes in our line up. Stephanie Affinito, host of the KidLit Love podcast offers three thoughtful and unexpected books to start the school year (and return to again and again).

Timeline

00:00. Book Recommendations for Educators
12:47 Exploring New Books for the Classroom
15:56. The Importance of Read-Alouds

Takeaways

• Restorative reading and writing practices can enhance well-being.
• New books can invigorate classroom communities.
• Reading and writing can be tools for healing.
• Community-building books are vital for the start of the school year.
• Teachers should explore diverse literature for their classrooms.
• Engaging with authors can deepen connections to books.
• Restorative practices can transform teaching experiences.

Links

• Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life
• Sticky Hope Notes with helpful resources: Episode Link

• (00:00:00) - Book Recommendations for Educators
• (00:12:47) - Exploring New Books for the Classroom
• (00:15:58) - he Importance of Read-Alouds

We are happy to welcome Stephanie Affinito to the podcast. Stephanie is a beautiful soul who wants to share the power of literacy to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the power of reading and writing to help all of us -- educators and students -- to be healthy.

LINKS

• Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life