Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
December 14, 2023
Dear Educator,
We know relationships are crucial for a sense of belonging, connection, and learning, yet creating time to connect with learners in most traditional schedules remains one of the biggest challenges. I often hear things like, “I have 150 students, how do you expect me to give feedback to each of them?”
The reality is that if we don’t see or experience methods other than the way we have always done it, it is hard to create something different. I also know it can feel overwhelming when you don’t have structures in place that ensure connection and in turn allow for meaningful feedback.
This week I want to share a simple strategy a teacher at Ka Waihona on the Leeward Coast of O’ahu uses to formatively assess her students and build relationships at the same time.
With Gratitude,
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Making the most of entrances and exits
When I entered this particular middle school language arts class, students were reading a book, making inferences, and discussing how they would feel if they were the main character. I see this lesson (or some variation of it) often in classrooms with varying degrees of engagement. Student engagement (or lack thereof) often depends on the investment of the students in the content and the structures put in place to support thinking deeply.
The 7 minutes we were in this class felt joyful as students shared their thinking and made inferences. Then, as students were dismissed, the teacher reminded them of the exit ticket, “Describe how you would feel if you were the main character?” The teacher stood by the door as 25 kids shared how they would feel. She made a connection with each student and held them accountable for articulating their thinking related to the learning objective. It took 3-4 minutes at most. From there, she walked over to the other door and greeted each student in her next class as they walked in. It was simple, routine, and ensured that each day, she connected with each student at least twice.
If you are struggling to find time to connect with students individually, these are two simple ways to check in and check “out” and assess student learning along the way. This ultimately impacts the level to which students engage and learn the desired content. We can’t create more time but we can create routines and structures that allow us to make the most of our time to see students, know students, and grow students.
How are you making connections with learners? Reply to this newsletter to share or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Get ideas and inspiration for making connections and helping all learners feel a sense of belonging in their learning community.
1. You had me at hello. Greeting each student at the door with a positive message brings benefits for both students and teacher. See what they are in Welcoming Students With a Smile.
2. Cultivate a Sense of Belonging Course. Honoring learners' cultures, identities, and experiences is so important for learning that we created a whole course on it.
