Along April 2024 Newsletter ??

It's no secret that fostering strong connections with students is vital for transforming schools into communities. However, we know that for many educators, this can sometimes feel overwhelming, given the many responsibilities they juggle every day.

At Along, we believe that building meaningful relationships with students is not just a lofty goal but an achievable habit that can be developed over time. It's about consistently taking small steps toward understanding and connecting with each student.

As we near the close of the school year, we invite you to consider how you can create a sense of belonging and community for all students—and particularly for diverse learners who may experience more challenges when it comes to building connections. We’ll explore this topic in depth at our upcoming webinar on May 8 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. Thanks to our partnership with the Educating All Learners Alliance, we are hosting a dynamic panel of experts who will share practical ways to create a positive school culture by encouraging engagement with students who learn and think differently. Anyone who joins will also earn CE credit.

By incorporating Along into your daily routine, you can seamlessly integrate relationship-building activities into your lesson plans and classroom activities. While adding one thing (however small) to your plate may seem daunting, remember that every interaction, no matter how brief, can grow trust and rapport between you and your students. There are many practical ways to use Along that help to increase student engagement and decrease time spent on classroom management.

We challenge you to take a moment to reflect on one habit you can easily implement into your classroom routine to strengthen your relationships with your students. Remember, building these connections happens one step at a time, and every effort you make brings you closer to creating a supportive and inclusive learning community.

With Love ??,?

The Along Team

Reflection Question of the Month

This question, written by a student, has been one of the most popular questions on Along for a while! We asked this question to educators at the recent California Charter Schools Association conference, and here were some of the responses.

What is something you feel like you’re “too old” to do, but still enjoy?

[Ask this question]

Monthly Motivation

“If you want to make it big, remember to do the small things well.” - Frank Sonnenberg, The Path to a Meaningful Life.

From Along Teachers

“Along helps create this rapport between teacher and student that can be really beautiful in the sense that students feel more valued as human beings and then they’re more interested in what you’re teaching. Along gives them a space to share their thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way.” - Sophia Yargo, English Teacher

Fresh Reads

Read the latest from our blog, The Loop, and some of our favorite new reads and resources.

• California charter educators value school culture (The Loop)
• When Interventions Aim at Relationships, Academics and Attendance Improve (EdWeek)
• Putting intention behind teacher-student connections: Search Institute partner spotlight (The Loop)
• Encore: How to Feel Less Pressed for Time (Greater Good Science Center)

Connect with Us

A recent study showed that Along helped teachers and students form connections and provided options for students to engage with their teachers. <<Join the conversation.