Recommending books and making positive comments about the books that the kids check out! Also, placing more holds on books that students are excited to read. They seem to really appreciate this. Gave a mini book talk on self-help theme books that Ms. Mendez' 7th grade girls liked. So, my essential strategy for making positive connections is to help students find and appreciate good, interesting books . P.S. I will be picking up the completed LAPL cards this Friday. If you have any more LA public library card applications from your advisory students, please give them to me before 3:30pm this Friday. Thank you!
When we had a student led class activity. My specific example is when my 8th grade girls wanted to mentor the 6th and 7th graders. They led a process to identify which 8th graders wanted to mentor 6th/7th graders academically, visited advisory classes to see who was interested, and scheduled what girl will go where. They are pretty proud of this as they came up with the idea and implemented it.
The positive connections that I have made with my 7th Grade Boys Advisory is that I feel they can approach me and talk about things that they need...I feel that they are comfortable in my classroom...at least most of them.
Empowerment! Any time you can make them feel trusted or give them choice - put them in charge of planning an event, recognize achievement, let them choose how to present a check-in, etc., the better. It makes them feel like this is a really personal class, instead of just being told what to do.
Since I have a new group, 6th grade girls, I started focusing on bullying. The girls really connected with this topic since some of them have or are experiencing this. We had class discussions, watch documentaries, had more discussions, made an anti-bullie bulletin-board and are now going to make anti-bulling posters to place around the school. The girls have shared personal stories about this, and we already feel like a family. We have the girl-power to stand up, speak up, and be successful!
The year before last, I had a partnership with Street Poets, a non-profit agency that works with middle schoolers to write meaningful poetry about their experiences. It really allowed for my girls to open up to one another and gain confidence in themselves.
Here is a link if anyone is interested in finding out more about the program. http://www.streetpoetsinc.com/who.html
Every Monday, we do a journal entry and every student shares their entry with the class. This allows students to get to know each other on a very deep level. Some entries have been: favorite childhood memory. Best and worst moment of 6th grade,
Connecting with my advisory students is a work in progress. One of the most affective methods that I have used is circulating and recognizing each one's progress or lack thereof. This circulation habit allows me to speak to each student and make a connection, however brief,
Trying to do more "fun" things in Advisory. THis year I'm trying to take more of a camp counselor view on Advisory. Advisory should be about connections and enjoying school.
We're playing more games, doing more fun activities - made frozen bananas!
And we are working with Mrs. Williams' 6th grade girls on a BIg Sister Program. My girls feel like they're doing real good work at the school, like they're leaders and other kids look up to them ^_^
My advisory enjoys hands on projects such as making play dough, lava lamps, and the egg drop. The students have a chance to explore different math and science concepts with their classmates with affective filters lowered. The boys enjoy the exploration and discovery learning. They have fun collaborating with each other. We get a chance to connect on their prior knowledge.
Positive connection...being together for two plus years is having informal conversations with individuals or small groups. This happened best when we out weekly during advisory as many students would approach me to just talk. Also, sharing stories of growing up in the neighborhood works...but only for the first two weeks of school.
I really like last year how students took ownership of meeting AR & ALEKS requirements in advisory. I need to create that opportunity again this year. I wonder if the larger sized advisory class will be as conducive to meeting those needs as last year's smaller sized classes, where every student had access to a laptop at the same time. I've also found a topic which interest a large number of my advisory students, and earmark a day for them to watch informative scientific/health based videos re: parasites and parasitology. I didn't know that parents appreciated it, too, until I met some parents at BTS night, who told me their families are now instituting good practices at home to avoid possible infections and habits which could lead to infection.
Council/Check-in: Students sit in a circle, pass around a talking piece, and respond to "talk about a positive that happened over the last week", "talk about a negative that happened over the last week", and "talk about a something you are excited about for the future."
I think this is a great idea of having a talking piece. It teaches and models for students how to listen. Also, a review of the positive and negative. Not everything is positive...how do they or have they overcome the negative.
When the opportunity presents itself, I often try to have a casual conversion with an individual student. Usually it's non-school/academic related. Whether it's about sports, video games that they play, something that they're experiencing, or even a more personal story that they want to share, I try to make time to listen and joke with them. I feel that it builds a more personal relationship with the students, while allowing them to see that I'm more than just their teacher.
Some of the ways that I have made a positive connection with my advisory students is by sharing something that I also did during the weekend after they have shared their check-ins, because they are very much interested in what we do during the weekend.
Another thing is celebrating their birthdays! Ever since their first year at YOKA I’ve had a class birthday calendar, which they also copy onto their agenda. We celebrate their birthday by singing to them, giving them a birthday certificate/sticker, a piece of candy, and a pencil. They are small things but it really builds class community.
Lastly, students really enjoy arts and crafts, so I try to do those whenever I get the materials and the time.
We share our stories, dance and try to do our interests in class. I did a survey last year which included what activities we could do as an advisory once in a while to trust each other. I also pointed out that Mrs. Gamez in advisory is not the same Mrs. Gamez in class. On thanksgiving we have a luncheon and "set the table" and give thanks to anything and then enjoy our meal.
The "Im in" activity I picked up from a salary point class. My girls feel they can share a little of whats going on with them and it connects us on a personal level for a few minutes at the beginning of the week.
One way I have created a positive relationship with my advisory is informing them from the beginning, that I have a set schedule with opportunities to bond and be successful because Advisory is our "home away from home". I tell them they are free to share or ask anything as long as it isn't something they wouldn't like for me to report (I give examples of what I am mandated to report). I tell them I am open to help them with any academic issues as well as social issues. Perhaps not all but many do think of advisory as a second home, and few call me "mom" (which informs me, that I have made a positive connection).
One way I have connected with my 8th grade advisory boys is by having random conversations about the weekend and activities they have enjoyed with their families. Many times we have shared many things in common like movies, music and restaurants. We discuss differences but yet look into similarities in life, household and future plans. Its important to build a bridge of comfort between students and teachers.
I have designated my Advisory Class as a safe space. Early in the year, I created a code of conduct and respect that I had maintained throughout the year. Because this is my only class in which all students are the same age and gender and I use that as an opportunity to greater develop their social-emotional skills and learn from each other. I have never allowed my students to bully or disrespect each other, and I beginning to see how that is paying off in their friendships and support for each other.
This month we are participating in Halloween activities that boys seem to enjoy very much. We work together in groups which gives us an opportunity to discuss our family and school lives. The boys also journal write which lets me know more about them personally.
In advisory we have worked on second step. We talk about current events biggest one at the moment being ebola virus. We talk about problems they may have, and give advise on various scenarios that they may have encountered. They get help with homework, and from time to time, they confess they are tired or had a bad day, so I tried to make it an easy period for them, and I think that overall this has helped me make a connection.
Besides intentional one-on-one connections with students, I recently showed a pbs documentary called, Los Graduados, which focuses on 3 different young men of different backgrounds (former gang member from San Diego, undocumented/unafraid Dreamer from Atlanta?, and a recently out gay young man from MA?) and their process of surviving high school. This is of course in the historical, political context of young men of color being pushed out of the schooling system (e.g. school to prison pipeline), so it was especially important to share this documentary with them, which the majority seemed to really enjoy. I'm not yet sure how I will align with Second Step, but my plan is for them to complete a project which shows their research on the high school they plan to attend, and what is expected of them at that particular school (A-G requirements, school codes/policies, elective options, etc.). I think so far this is a relevant and meaningful project for us to work on together.
The positive connections that have works are having the students tell stories to the class. They need to talk about bullying they have seen or about being a victim of bullying. Some students are not aware that their actions to others have made some students feel harassed.
Writing daily warm-ups helps me hear about what my advisory girls are up to. They share about their weekend, their "dragon victories and challenges", tell me how their day is going. This helps me build a connection with my girls on a daily basis.
I have my advisory girls write journals to reflect on their weekends or days. We also do Destination Imagination on Thursday where students can enact and perform their thoughts and ideas.
I feel that at this point, after over two years with my advisory boys, they feel comfortable coming and talking to me about issues that may occur in and outside of their classes. We share our interests with each other, joke around, and they know that I care about their well being.
Daily reading time and regularly checking AR and Aleks has helped my students develop stronger accountability habits and be more responsible. Class Dojo has also become a quite avid tool in order to support those habits and provide solid structures to lessons and projects.
One of the ways that I make positive connections with my advisory students is to greet them at the door as they are walking into the classroom after lunch. I find that is a time to hear how their day is going and see if they have any questions. I also try to take an interest in them personally by asking how things are going in school and offering my assistance to help in any way.
Recommending books and making positive comments about the books that the kids check out! Also, placing more holds on books that students are excited to read. They seem to really appreciate this. Gave a mini book talk on self-help theme books that Ms. Mendez' 7th grade girls liked. So, my essential strategy for making positive connections is to help students find and appreciate good, interesting books . P.S. I will be picking up the completed LAPL cards this Friday. If you have any more LA public library card applications from your advisory students, please give them to me before 3:30pm this Friday. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhen we had a student led class activity. My specific example is when my 8th grade girls wanted to mentor the 6th and 7th graders. They led a process to identify which 8th graders wanted to mentor 6th/7th graders academically, visited advisory classes to see who was interested, and scheduled what girl will go where. They are pretty proud of this as they came up with the idea and implemented it.
ReplyDeleteThe positive connections that I have made with my 7th Grade Boys Advisory is that I feel they can approach me and talk about things that they need...I feel that they are comfortable in my classroom...at least most of them.
ReplyDeleteEmpowerment! Any time you can make them feel trusted or give them choice - put them in charge of planning an event, recognize achievement, let them choose how to present a check-in, etc., the better. It makes them feel like this is a really personal class, instead of just being told what to do.
ReplyDeleteSince I have a new group, 6th grade girls, I started focusing on bullying. The girls really connected with this topic since some of them have or are experiencing this. We had class discussions, watch documentaries, had more discussions, made an anti-bullie bulletin-board and are now going to make anti-bulling posters to place around the school. The girls have shared personal stories about this, and we already feel like a family. We have the girl-power to stand up, speak up, and be successful!
ReplyDeleteThe year before last, I had a partnership with Street Poets, a non-profit agency that works with middle schoolers to write meaningful poetry about their experiences. It really allowed for my girls to open up to one another and gain confidence in themselves.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link if anyone is interested in finding out more about the program.
http://www.streetpoetsinc.com/who.html
This is awesome!
DeleteEvery Monday, we do a journal entry and every student shares their entry with the class. This allows students to get to know each other on a very deep level. Some entries have been: favorite childhood memory. Best and worst moment of 6th grade,
ReplyDeleteConnecting with my advisory students is a work in progress. One of the most affective methods that I have used is circulating and recognizing each one's progress or lack thereof. This circulation habit allows me to speak to each student and make a connection, however brief,
ReplyDeleteTrying to do more "fun" things in Advisory. THis year I'm trying to take more of a camp counselor view on Advisory. Advisory should be about connections and enjoying school.
ReplyDeleteWe're playing more games, doing more fun activities - made frozen bananas!
And we are working with Mrs. Williams' 6th grade girls on a BIg Sister Program. My girls feel like they're doing real good work at the school, like they're leaders and other kids look up to them ^_^
My advisory enjoys hands on projects such as making play dough, lava lamps, and the egg drop. The students have a chance to explore different math and science concepts with their classmates with affective filters lowered. The boys enjoy the exploration and discovery learning. They have fun collaborating with each other. We get a chance to connect on their prior knowledge.
ReplyDeletePositive connection...being together for two plus years is having informal conversations with individuals or small groups. This happened best when we out weekly during advisory as many students would approach me to just talk. Also, sharing stories of growing up in the neighborhood works...but only for the first two weeks of school.
ReplyDeleteI really like last year how students took ownership of meeting AR & ALEKS requirements in advisory. I need to create that opportunity again this year. I wonder if the larger sized advisory class will be as conducive to meeting those needs as last year's smaller sized classes, where every student had access to a laptop at the same time. I've also found a topic which interest a large number of my advisory students, and earmark a day for them to watch informative scientific/health based videos re: parasites and parasitology. I didn't know that parents appreciated it, too, until I met some parents at BTS night, who told me their families are now instituting good practices at home to avoid possible infections and habits which could lead to infection.
ReplyDeleteCouncil/Check-in: Students sit in a circle, pass around a talking piece, and respond to "talk about a positive that happened over the last week", "talk about a negative that happened over the last week", and "talk about a something you are excited about for the future."
ReplyDeleteMonday Sports Day!
Pen Pal Letter writing with other advisories.
I think this is a great idea of having a talking piece. It teaches and models for students how to listen. Also, a review of the positive and negative. Not everything is positive...how do they or have they overcome the negative.
DeleteWhen the opportunity presents itself, I often try to have a casual conversion with an individual student. Usually it's non-school/academic related. Whether it's about sports, video games that they play, something that they're experiencing, or even a more personal story that they want to share, I try to make time to listen and joke with them. I feel that it builds a more personal relationship with the students, while allowing them to see that I'm more than just their teacher.
ReplyDeleteSome of the ways that I have made a positive connection with my advisory students is by sharing something that I also did during the weekend after they have shared their check-ins, because they are very much interested in what we do during the weekend.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing is celebrating their birthdays! Ever since their first year at YOKA I’ve had a class birthday calendar, which they also copy onto their agenda. We celebrate their birthday by singing to them, giving them a birthday certificate/sticker, a piece of candy, and a pencil. They are small things but it really builds class community.
Lastly, students really enjoy arts and crafts, so I try to do those whenever I get the materials and the time.
I like this birthday idea - sounds sweet, and I bet they really appreciate the thoughtfulness.
DeleteWe share our stories, dance and try to do our interests in class. I did a survey last year which included what activities we could do as an advisory once in a while to trust each other. I also pointed out that Mrs. Gamez in advisory is not the same Mrs. Gamez in class. On thanksgiving we have a luncheon and "set the table" and give thanks to anything and then enjoy our meal.
ReplyDeleteThe "Im in" activity I picked up from a salary point class. My girls feel they can share a little of whats going on with them and it connects us on a personal level for a few minutes at the beginning of the week.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne way I have created a positive relationship with my advisory is informing them from the beginning, that I have a set schedule with opportunities to bond and be successful because Advisory is our "home away from home". I tell them they are free to share or ask anything as long as it isn't something they wouldn't like for me to report (I give examples of what I am mandated to report). I tell them I am open to help them with any academic issues as well as social issues. Perhaps not all but many do think of advisory as a second home, and few call me "mom" (which informs me, that I have made a positive connection).
ReplyDeleteOne way I have connected with my 8th grade advisory boys is by having random conversations about the weekend and activities they have enjoyed with their families. Many times we have shared many things in common like movies, music and restaurants. We discuss differences but yet look into similarities in life, household and future plans. Its important to build a bridge of comfort between students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteI have designated my Advisory Class as a safe space. Early in the year, I created a code of conduct and respect that I had maintained throughout the year. Because this is my only class in which all students are the same age and gender and I use that as an opportunity to greater develop their social-emotional skills and learn from each other. I have never allowed my students to bully or disrespect each other, and I beginning to see how that is paying off in their friendships and support for each other.
ReplyDeleteThis month we are participating in Halloween activities that boys seem to enjoy very much. We work together in groups which gives us an opportunity to discuss our family and school lives. The boys also journal write which lets me know more about them personally.
ReplyDeleteIn advisory we have worked on second step. We talk about current events biggest one at the moment being ebola virus. We talk about problems they may have, and give advise on various scenarios that they may have encountered. They get help with homework, and from time to time, they confess they are tired or had a bad day, so I tried to make it an easy period for them, and I think that overall this has helped me make a connection.
ReplyDeleteBesides intentional one-on-one connections with students, I recently showed a pbs documentary called, Los Graduados, which focuses on 3 different young men of different backgrounds (former gang member from San Diego, undocumented/unafraid Dreamer from Atlanta?, and a recently out gay young man from MA?) and their process of surviving high school. This is of course in the historical, political context of young men of color being pushed out of the schooling system (e.g. school to prison pipeline), so it was especially important to share this documentary with them, which the majority seemed to really enjoy. I'm not yet sure how I will align with Second Step, but my plan is for them to complete a project which shows their research on the high school they plan to attend, and what is expected of them at that particular school (A-G requirements, school codes/policies, elective options, etc.). I think so far this is a relevant and meaningful project for us to work on together.
ReplyDeleteThe positive connections that have works are having the students tell stories to the class. They need to talk about bullying they have seen or about being a victim of bullying. Some students are not aware that their actions to others have made some students feel harassed.
ReplyDeleteWriting daily warm-ups helps me hear about what my advisory girls are up to. They share about their weekend, their "dragon victories and challenges", tell me how their day is going. This helps me build a connection with my girls on a daily basis.
ReplyDelete~Jeraldy Vega
I have my advisory girls write journals to reflect on their weekends or days.
ReplyDeleteWe also do Destination Imagination on Thursday where students can enact and perform their thoughts and ideas.
I feel that at this point, after over two years with my advisory boys, they feel comfortable coming and talking to me about issues that may occur in and outside of their classes. We share our interests with each other, joke around, and they know that I care about their well being.
ReplyDeleteDaily reading time and regularly checking AR and Aleks has helped my students develop stronger accountability habits and be more responsible. Class Dojo has also become a quite avid tool in order to support those habits and provide solid structures to lessons and projects.
ReplyDeleteAllowing students to share about their personal lives as part of a weekly check-in creates a connection.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways that I make positive connections with my advisory students is to greet them at the door as they are walking into the classroom after lunch. I find that is a time to hear how their day is going and see if they have any questions. I also try to take an interest in them personally by asking how things are going in school and offering my assistance to help in any way.
ReplyDelete