Willow River has always prided itself in having a "small school vibe". Our 5th grade teachers interact and get to know our Kindergarteners through book buddies, talking in the halls, and going out of their way to get to know future 5th graders. 4th grade teachers have 1st grade check-in friends who they pump up for the day. 3rd grade teachers welcome former students and future students into their classroom to make positive connections. Our Kindergarten teachers welcome back former students who help in their classroom. It is a cozy, tight knit vibe that feels like family.
This year has proven to challenge what we usually do. Classrooms need to stay contained and we don't get to interact the way we used to. However, connections at a time like this are ever more important.
Our staff have learned that children's brains open to new information and learning - if they feel connected. We have also learned that the best thing we can do for our kids who have experienced childhood trauma is to build connections and relationships. We value this at Willow River and are constantly seeking to strengthen the connections our kids have to the grown ups here.
Several years ago we tried an activity with staff when we reflected upon those students we have strong connections with in an effort to find what students were flying "under the radar". This year, we have revisited that activity, using a modified version that was demonstrated at a middle school in Nevada.
We want ALL of our students to feel seen and will be making concerted efforts this year to make sure they do!
No comments:
Post a Comment