Sticky Hope

36 | Book Episode: Conversations About Being Left Out

Sometimes it is difficult for students to know how to get along with one another. They can exclude each other or be unkind. Sometimes a student makes a mistake and it's difficult to know how to forgive them and still be friends with them. We share two wordless picture books that will help navigate how to respond to these situations. Takeaways * Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for teaching empathy. * Books like I Walk With Vanessa and I Forgive Alex help students understand social dynamics. * Narrating social situations allows students to reflect on their own experiences. * Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a supportive classroom environment. * Teachers can use these books to address real-life problems students face. * Students can learn to predict and problem-solve social situations through storytelling. * The books encourage students to think about their roles in social interactions. * Using wordless books helps students of all ages engage with complex social issues. Links * I Walk With Vanessa: LINK to YouTube read aloud video [https://youtu.be/bcwDXiK1QIs?si=XqS7jkxjUzLMV5Wp]. * I Forgive Alex: LINK to YouTube read aloud video [https://youtu.be/NN6tEDiHCqg?si=t2jGr9PaySnMcvag]. * If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up here [https://stickyhope.com]!

35 | A Simple Framework to Respond to Tricky Behaviors

Tricky behaviors happen in all classrooms. When we have a plan for how to respond, we are able to relax and focus our attention on the the act of teaching. We share a simple framework to respond to tricky behaviors. It is called the OWL Framework and it helps us stay rooted in connecting to students and keeping our attention on learning. This is Sticky Hope. Takeaways * Tricky behavior is common in classrooms and requires proactive strategies. * The OWL framework helps manage behavior: Open to connection, Work to de-escalate, Return to learning. * Connection over correction fosters a supportive learning environment. * Teachers' biases can impact their interactions with students. * Proximity can help de-escalate situations. * Practicing regulation tools with students prepares them for moments of dysregulation. * Returning to learning quickly after de-escalation is crucial. * It's important to maintain a calm and kind demeanor in challenging situations. * The OWL framework is a practical tool for managing classroom behavior. Download the O.W.L. Framework by clicking on this link: https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/ [https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/]

34 | Remember Who You Are

As the newness of the school year wears off, we want to remember who we are, before we go on a quest to determine what to do with the tricky behaviors that are beginning to show up in our classrooms. When we know and commit to being the best versions of ourselves as teachers, then we can respond to tricky behaviors in compassionate and helpful ways. Timeline 00:00 Back to School Strategies 02:30 Who Do You Want to Be as a Teacher? 05:40 Consistency in Teaching Identity 11:54 Building Community and Classroom Vision 13:54 Takeaways

33 | Consistency Matters: A "What's Happening" Sheet

Sometimes it feels like we're doing all of the things, but until we pay close enough attention to track behaviors we can be fooled by our brains. There are many empty promises when it comes to navigating tricky behaviors, but we know that trauma doesn't play fair. A first step to discovering how to nourish heatlhy regulation is to get an accurate understanding of the tricky behaviors happening in our classrooms. Use the "What's Happening?" sheet as a simple and quick baseline to begin a conversation about how to navigate the tricky behaviors popping up in all of our classrooms. Timeline 00:00 Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle 02:47 Understanding Tricky Behaviors in Children 05:38 The Impact of Trauma on Behavior 08:12 Identifying Dysregulation in Children 10:42 Tracking Behaviors for Better Understanding 13:11 Takeaways Takeaways * Understanding tricky behaviors requires a deeper analysis. * Trauma impacts behavior and requires thoughtful approaches. * Identifying dysregulation is key to supporting children. * Tracking behaviors helps demystify children's actions. * Teachers should not blame themselves for children's behaviors. * Patterns in behavior can guide effective interventions. * Slowing down to observe can lead to better insights.

32 | Identity + Habits of Learners

We take some time to consider how to nourish the identity of a learner within students, and then what habits we can encourage. We consider creative and tactile ways to help students accept the identity of a learner as part of a classroom vision or mission. Timeline 00:00 Building Identities in Education 03:05 The Power of Self-Identity 05:34 Creating a Classroom Community 08:07 Art as a Tool for Identity 10:49 Navigating Tricky Behaviors with Compassion 12:23 Takeaways Takeaways * Building identities in children is crucial for their learning. * Self-identity influences actions and habits. * Educators must reflect on their own identities. * Positive narratives can shift student perceptions. * Art can serve as a powerful tool for identity building. * Classroom charters help establish community values. * Compassion is key in addressing challenging behaviors. * Students' identities are shaped by peer perceptions. * Creating tangible reminders can reinforce classroom identity. * Navigating tricky behaviors is part of the teaching landscape. Links * Choice Literacy Article: "Creating a Classroom Emotional Intelligence Charter [https://choiceliteracy.com/article/creating-classroom-emotion-goals/]" by Mandy Robek * NPR article: "Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain [https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/11/795010044/feeling-artsy-heres-how-making-art-helps-your-brain]" by Malaka Gharib * If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up using the form below!