After reading Chapter 3, view the video entitled "School Family: The Story of Fern Creek," found at the following link:
https://consciousdiscipline.com/free-resources/book-portal/chapter-3-school-family/#2thestoryofferncreek
By 01/13/2020 (end of day)
Post your thoughts online, using the following prompts:
https://consciousdiscipline.com/free-resources/book-portal/chapter-3-school-family/#2thestoryofferncreek
By 01/13/2020 (end of day)
Post your thoughts online, using the following prompts:
- What are your takeaways after viewing the "Story of Fern Creek" video?
- How could we put this to use in our school (your classroom and/or other environments)?
By 01/19/2020 (end of day)
- Respond meaningfully to at least two colleagues
- Monitor your own post, and address any questions/comments
How inspiring! Our demographics are different than Fern Creek because of location, but we still have a high rate of poverty, we have students living at Lydia's Gate, we have a high amount of violent moments in elementary, we have parents addicted to drugs, we have parents in prison. The behaviors I saw at the beginning of that video are the same behaviors I've been seeing for the past 10 years. We have to do something different. We have to do something better. We have to get our kids smiling when they walk in the door, helping each other when they sense frustration, keeping each other safe, and making each other feel loved. We cannot control what happens outside of our school, but we sure can control the way we respond to what happens within the boundaries of our school. What I'm learning the most is that we have to teach it, not expect it, and then teach it again and again and again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Alesha. We cannot control what happens to our students outside of the classroom, but we can create an environment to alleviate some of the frustrations are students face on a daily basis. Repeatedly teaching is the key until the safe and loving environment is instilled. I also see our population of students digressing instead of improving and I am not sure why.
DeleteI've noticed the same thing about our population. I can't figure out the why either.
DeleteNo, we cannot control what happens outside of these doors. But, we can control our reactions to what happens within these walls. We may have to repeatedly teach and reteach expectations until our students 'get it', but we HAVE to believe it will happen. Some may respond sooner than others, but we can notice the changes and celebrate them as they happen.
DeleteThat video reinforced some of my concerns but also answered some of my questions. Again, I feel like this approach is definitely successful with buy-in from ALL stakeholders and a commitment of YEARS to establish it fully. But again, I see ways that we can tweak or change things in order to get better results - and those changes can be made immediately. After spending such a huge amount of time last school year dealing with chronic (and often extreme) behavior problems, I am completely willing to instead spend time teaching students about empathy, verbal communication, conflict resolution, calming strategies, etc....
ReplyDeleteToday, we were supposed to have ice cream sundaes to celebrate a class goal that we met (I know, I know, extrinsic motivation). The kids were super-excited, but a few students were absent because they were sick. I'll be honest...I just wanted to get it done and check it off the list. But a little voice inside my head kept saying that this was an opportunity to set a good example and show compassion & empathy. So I asked the class to consider how they would feel if they were sick at home and missing the ice cream celebration. Almost every student admitted that they would feel awful, and we all agreed to wait until everyone is able to participate. Even though this is going to be hanging over my head for days (maybe even weeks because it's flu season) it was the right decision. And hopefully I will continue to see opportunities to model compassionate responses and demonstrate "highest values" throughout the second semester.
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DeleteI appreciate the fact that you made this adjustment with the ice cream party, even though (like me) you highly value staying on schedule. I couldn't agree more with your reasoning, and I agree that this will pay dividends.
DeleteI have to agree with you, Nicole, about the year we had last year with extreme behaviors. I find that most students this year seem to be more receptive to listening, conflict resolution, communication skills, and calming strategies. While not perfect, more 'bright moments' can be found. We just have to find/make the time for these 'teaching moments' without missing out of academic learning time. I choose to believe it will all pay off in the long run.
DeleteMy take-away from this video is that of being hopeful for change and that it CAN be done. The backgrounds of our students and that of those of Fern Creek are both different and similar. Deep down I want to believe all of my students WANT to learn and thrive, but some just aren't sure how they can do it with their current academic abilities, backgrounds, and familiy situations.
ReplyDeleteSo often, when we have a situation in our classroom where learning is sidetracked by behavior-whether minor or blow-up, I can't help but wonder in what ways actions, whether proactive or reactive could have been different/ more helpful. We often talk about the actions/reactions and feelings of those involved, directly and/or indirectly by behaviors. I would like to learn more ways to reach and teach students how they can grow and thrive.
"Reach and Teach" :)
DeleteStepping back, thinking, and stepping back in. That's what Elizabeth describes Conscious Discipline to me as. If we can learn to do that, then we'll ALL be successful.
Students need to be given boundaries/structure. They need this because most do not get this in their home. We, as teachers, need to think positive - that we can find the answer to create a growing and thriving school environment for our students as well as teachers.
DeleteI agree with this 100% Bridgette. I feel that what is missing is boundaries. I don't feel that the majority of my students have the manners or school etiquette that they should. When they do it is so refreshing. It is beyond belief to me that things seem so backwards sometimes. How did this happen? Just 10 years ago was so much better. But, if I think about it, we are asking 9 and 10 year olds to complete tasks that we had in junior high and high school. We are sending them mixed messages. Hurry up and grow up, but you have to listen to what I say because I am the teacher. And on the other hand you aren't allowed to do that, you're too young.
DeleteSo...I am wondering about how you're feeling about manners/school etiquette after TBRI? I thought Amy's idea to teach kids how to give and receive apologies was a good one...and then Jim showed us another way. It was absolutely fascinating to learn more about our lack of common language and the importance of meeting students where they are. All of it makes so much sense. The first change that needs to happen is in us, rewiring our brains to see things differently. And anytime that feels overwhelming to me, I just remind myself that doing the same thing over & over again while expecting a different result is crazy. I want and NEED to "work smarter" and be effective.
DeleteWell, I do still believe kids should have boundaries, manners, and school etiquette. That probably won't change. I do also believe that I have a lot of work to do on myself as an educator. If this program works, I am all for it. I like how this book and our recent training go hand in hand so far. My mind is open to new techniques.
DeleteI love a happy ending. It was nice to see the Fern Creek staff work together for a common goal of family. I may not be as touchy feely with the students as they were in the video because you never know when that could back fire on you these days. I do like the success story though, and I am willing to work on these strategies with an open mind. I have a lot of room for improvement and growth. We all need to feel validated, understood, and safe including the teachers and support staff so let’s dig in and get to work.
ReplyDeleteYou have been so wonderful for so many of my former students. These videos go beyond what I would consider myself being comfortable with as far as touch as well. I strongly believe that we can get there with kids with a hand on their should instead of whatever alliterative cream they are promoting here.
DeleteI too liked this happy ending.
The TBRI training gave us some good alternatives to some of what we've read or seen in the videos. Classroom Community instead of School Family, asking if you can sit by or hug a child instead of just doing it, etc.... I made a lot of connections between Conscious Discipline and TBRI, and I'm sure everyone else did too.
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DeleteI truly enjoyed watching this video! I didn't know whether to cry or to cheer, but it does make me believe in the power of positive thinking. When I read that 50% of the teaching profession leave after five years - I could relate. This is my fifth year as a teacher and I have felt discouraged, disillusioned, and have been contemplating leaving. Teaching students how to respond appropriately when something happens is definitely something we need to do. When I taught first grade in Ohio, we gathered at the end of the day, and would discuss the days events. This included anything positive or negative that the student experienced. The rules were: maintain eye contact with the student who upset you or made you happy, and respond in an appropriate manner. Maybe this is something we should incorporate with our students at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is not for the lazy and undetermined, that is for sure. It's a stressful profession. I have had days when it's hard to get up and come to school because of events that happen daily, but I've never wanted to do anything but teaching. I won't give up and throw the towel in. Teaching has been my dream and I am proud to be a teacher. I just can't wait until the teaching profession is respected again. When you look at our population, I want to help the people who put the time into their children no matter how poor they are. I can think of a few of my past students who come from a poverty home, but the parents put everything into them. Those kids will have the opportunity to pull themselves up if they choose. I can't wait to see what they become as adults. Hang in there Bridgette.
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