Getting to know our students
Welcome back to another school year. We are looking forward to meeting our new classes of students and their parents. As we do that, we will continue our tradition of using Responsive Classroom theories and procedures to develop a community of learners. In keeping on a positive note, our staff will be reading and referring to a Responsive Classroom text called The Joyful Classroom.
Some of the ways that we get to know our students include:
1. Talk with students about their hopes and dreams for the year:
When we establish hopes and dreams, it establishes our goals and purpose for the year.
2. Actively observe students:
Some of the things that we look for when we observe students are peer relationships, leaders and followers, their energy levels - physical and mental, learning styles, skills in speaking and listening, and their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Invite students to share information about their lives outside of school:
This allows us to get to know your child on a more personal level as an individual. "It helps us to find a glimmer of gold in each student."
4. Connect with parents:
Look for newsletters from your child's teacher and visit the Highland School Responsive Classroom blog.
5. Use Reminding, Reinforcing, and Redirecting Language:
As teachers and parents, it is important to use positive and encouraging language with our students. We also use envisioning language where we challenge students to envision themselves as a bigger part of the world. We ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking where there are no wrong or right answers. For example, ask your child: "What was the best part of your day?"
We are looking forward to promoting a positive school year for your children. We encourage everyone to keep the lines of communication open.
Some of the ways that we get to know our students include:
1. Talk with students about their hopes and dreams for the year:
When we establish hopes and dreams, it establishes our goals and purpose for the year.
2. Actively observe students:
Some of the things that we look for when we observe students are peer relationships, leaders and followers, their energy levels - physical and mental, learning styles, skills in speaking and listening, and their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Invite students to share information about their lives outside of school:
This allows us to get to know your child on a more personal level as an individual. "It helps us to find a glimmer of gold in each student."
4. Connect with parents:
Look for newsletters from your child's teacher and visit the Highland School Responsive Classroom blog.
5. Use Reminding, Reinforcing, and Redirecting Language:
As teachers and parents, it is important to use positive and encouraging language with our students. We also use envisioning language where we challenge students to envision themselves as a bigger part of the world. We ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking where there are no wrong or right answers. For example, ask your child: "What was the best part of your day?"
We are looking forward to promoting a positive school year for your children. We encourage everyone to keep the lines of communication open.