Start With, "What if..."

Have you ever wondered what you could do to improve operations at your school? Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or business leader in your community, there are some things we can do. Let's dream for a few moments. Let's ask, "What if?"

I want to start a different series of what if statements. Let's assume that you already have a group of compassionate and skilled college students ready to work in your school, whether you're a community member or an administrator yourself; What would you have those students do?

What if they sat with students who feel alone or frustrated? What if they spoke the student's native language? What if they were able to relate to kids more?

What if they brought in the college projects they're working on to share their knowledge? What if they got feedback and collaborated with your students on how to solve problems? What if they helped your students understand linear functions for the first time?

What if they brought their passion for reading? What if they helped your students take ownership? What if they helped students communicate better?

What if they reviewed curriculum until everyone got it while the teachers were allowed to keep teaching? What if they taught lessons to the larger group while the skilled teachers took time to build relationships with students who aren't engaged?

What if they ran after-school programs where kids could play, problem-solve, and build connections with their peers? What if students from the schools of engineering could teach computer science workshops, web development, or mechanics? What if students from art colleges could run workshops on painting, sculpture, graphic design, or printmaking?

What if these college students were the first person to get through to the most vulnerable kids in your building?

Would the outcomes be desirable?

I've felt the difference a skilled-adult can make in the classroom because I've been that difference. When I visit classrooms I engage. I get next to students and ask them if they are doing okay. I help them check their work and listen for errors. I point out their mistakes and help them understand that making a mistake is not the same as being a failure; It's learning.

Students smile quite a bit when I work with them. We learn more when we're smiling. They're not being entertained or lazy; I'm teaching them how to enjoy the process of learning. A skilled adult can do that. It takes patience, intelligence, empathy, and perseverance. Fortunately, all of those things are skills that can be developed.

Share your thoughts! How were you motivated as a student? What would you like to see in your school?

#education #buildtrust #schoolculture #constantactsofkindness #nomorerandom