Bright Spots: Growing connections with our students and our own children

Dear Educator,

This week my daughter was promoted from middle school to high school so there are a lot of emotions in the house!? As with each new milestone, it’s a chance to reflect, celebrate and look forward to all that is possible. In his opening remarks, the principal reminded us all that this promoting class started middle school during COVID and most of the year was virtual. Like all youth, they have learned to navigate a new world and are developing new skills, mindsets, and aspirations as a result. So this week, I want to celebrate all the young people and all that they have accomplished and learned in their lives, especially in the last few years.?

If you are reading this, chances are that in one way or another you get to connect with and guide youth, whether it is your students or your own children, to become their best selves. This week I wanted to share some resources to support growing those connections.

With Gratitude,

Katie Martin, Chief Impact Officer,?Learner-Centered Collaborative

We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us?here.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Have better conversations with kids

As a mom of teens, I am always searching for questions to have better conversations with my kids and I saved this post from the TheCalmClassrooom, “Stop asking your kids how their day was”. Instead, she recommends that we ask SOCK questions that are Specific, Open-Ended, Creative, and Kid-friendly. These questions are a perfect Bright Spot as we head into summer to find ways to connect and understand the young people in our lives.?

With more free time (hopefully) it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with youth, learn about their interests and goals, and understand how they are feeling. When young people feel they belong and are understood, it can make a world of difference in our relationships and their self esteem.?

How are you making an effort to connect with young people in your lives this summer??Share in comments.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Explore resources to help you better connect with kids and understand their experiences.

1. Still looking for more questions to connect with kids? Try one of these 100 questions, kids might answer.?

2. Want to hear from a student perspective? Read more about When Students Feel They Belong.?

3. ‘Skills-Based Hiring’ is becoming all the rage. There are some education leaders want to overturn a 117-year-old way of measuring students’ experiences. Read more here.

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

What's your learner-centered vision for change?

Share your?#LCBrightSpots?on social media!

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