"Alone we can do little. Together we can do so much." Helen Keller

When I think of cooperation, I'm always considering the context. Cooperation works fine if there is a clear set of expectations for everyone. In the absence of that, there has to be a strong leader who can set the tone and try to get everyone working toward the same goal. Ideally, we all could live in a world someday where we knew exactly what we needed to do for others and we wanted to do it.

Helen Keller was born deaf and blind - relying on others for her survival from a very early age. For students with disabilities, the freedom to accomplish things alone is hampered. Cooperation isn't something to try out on Saturday afternoon. It's necessary for learning and it unlocks wisdom and a true appreciation of how much can be accomplished if we work together.

And this is really what Teaching Different is all about. You have to teach in a way that motivates students to see the world from other perspectives and walk in other people's shoes in order to really understand the value of cooperation and an appreciation of what everyone brings to the table. That's what unforgettable conversations are for - the shortest road toward modeling the type of cooperation that can change lives. 

If you want to learn more about Teach Different, feel free to send an email to me Steve Fouts at [email protected], and I'll share our 3-Step conversation technique we came up with to help teachers get these conversations going in the classroom.

Also for additional information please go to the teach different website here

-Make unforgettable conversation a routine in your classroom