Connectedness

Considering topics for the week, I decided to keep the theme of connectedness.  What are the ‘little things’ we can do to make a student feel more connected at school.  There has been quite a bit of research in the area of relationship building in schools.  Consistent in all the reading I have done, three simple things stand out:  1) Greet students at the door with a friendly ‘Hello, welcome to class’, 2) Listen, 3) Know their name and use it.  We have the opportunity to change lives and create allies or adversaries.  These ‘little things’ may just be the ingredient that begins the transformation.  Of course, a daily dose of these three ‘little things’ may not bring about the change that is desired, but I’ve never read a study that kindness hurts our chances.  Have a spectacular weekend…Go Pups! (cue: You’re a Friend of Mine – Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne)