December 2019 – Happy Schools

Three Gifts to Give Yourself this Christmas

December 12, 2019

Gift Number One – Presence You are about to take some well-earned time off to spend with loved ones, recharge your batteries and reconnect. This is often easier said than done as we struggle to wind down, to switch off and be fully present. Presence requires us to dig deep and fully savour those precious moments, such as children opening presents or a friend or relative sharing a story. Here are my tips for remaining present this season: Aim to minimise use of technology and devices. Instead play interactive games, engage in conversation, actively listen, turn the phone to silent, shhhhh. If you need to get some work done during the break, schedule time to do it, decide how long…

Building Quality Relationships

December 5, 2019

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Engagement

According to acclaimed education researcher John Hattie, “It is teachers who have created positive teacher-student relationships that are more likely to have the above average effects on student achievement.” Earlier this year, at the Positive Schools conferences, Charles Brunzell posed the question, “Is it your job to get your students to like you?” This is a question with many good answers. In short, when we foster positive connections with our students, they are more likely to feel positive about class and about school in general. They are also more willing to have a go at hard work, to risk making mistakes, and to ask for help when they need it. According to Rita Pierson in her great TED talk, “Kids…