Establish: Interest Survey
Start off the year with an interest survey to rebuild your understanding of your students. If you did one in September, try it again, as their tastes and interests may have changed. You can use this information in story problems and conversations to increase engagement.
Maintain: 5:1
Dr. John Gottman, a world-renowned psychologist found that relationships thrive on five positives to every one negative. Using phrases like, "I notice you have improved your work", or "I notice you are really trying to focus", can show your students positive connection and that you care. Using "I notice" phrasing can reflect the positivity back on them for their efforts, not just pleasing you.
Repair: Reset the Relationship
It may be time to hit the reset button. Hitting the "reset button" must be acknowledged jointly together as the teacher and student. Discuss ways to improve the relationship, address what went wrong and talk about a plan to improve it. Please let us know if you would like a mediator to help facilitate this conversation.
Goal Setting
Set a focus on goals for the future. Looking forward to and completing your long term goals can be extremely rewarding! It actually can release more dopamine (happy feeling chemical in our brains). Consider using some of the ideas below to set up goals with your students.
Community Support
Community plays a huge role in goal achievement. Consider of having cohort groups with similar goals that check in once a week to talk about their progress towards their goals. The influence of a strong driven community towards a common goal can increase engagement and progress towards goals. Please let us know if you need help setting this up!
Celebration
Celebrations are key in all of this, especially in this atmosphere! Celebrations can be a small, woop woop, or something planned and big! Consider virtual parties, shout outs, and more! Virtual field trips, glow parties, and themed events can all be done over Zoom! Please reach out if you would like help celebration planning!