Thread by @jeewanc

(THREAD) Imagine walking into school - #FirstDaysofSchool. The most significant thing that anyone wants is to know that they belong, feel included, cared for, to feel significant, to know that they matter. As educators, families give us their greatest trust each day #MoralPurpose

From the moment students "step" onto school grounds, everything they see, hear, feel and experience gives them a message about whether they are valued, they matter, if this is a safe place to be in, grow, take risks, challenge, create, to LEARN. #3rdTeacher #GlobalCompetencies

We know that in order for Ss to learn, they must feel safe & included. Neuroscience helps us to understand that when ANY one feels unsafe, theyre not able to learn, engage in complex thinking. Solid #assessment is important & necessary, but without feeling safe, its not effective

#WellBeing lays the foundation for #Achievement. It means that we must think about our environment and the #CONDITIONSFORLEARNING we create in order for achievement to occur.

Let's start with, where we are, when we greet/meet Ss. Remember OUR first time going into a space, memories of going back after a break, starting a new class, new Ss.Being greeted in the halls, WITH a smile, being welcomed, ignoring little behaviours helps. #WelcomingEnvironments

Think about starting in #CommunityCircle which comes from Indigenous peoples & exists across many cultures. From FDK-Gr12 & Adult learners too! Circles welcome into, equalizes, allows for us to see/be together. I've used this from FDK- high school- college/university Ss #itWorks

Cook together, laugh, draw, go for a walk, take pictures, tell stories, connect to creation, land, animals, trees, water. #Create magical moments for Ss to connect with us and each other. Help them learn when to be dis/connected to devices. #WaterisLife #DigitalCitizenship

Help Ss create community by sharing things that they want to let others know. Start with light hearted things, like what's your favourite dessert, or "if you were stranded on a desert island with NO wifi what is the one thing you'd bring with you" #NoWifi #FirstWorldProblems LOL

#Remember as the educators, our voices comes with positional power. So we choose to model ideas first sometimes; sometimes choose to go last. Remember #modelMistakes. When Ss see us make mistakes, corrected by them & to accept it graciously- we sow the seeds for #LearningCulture

Learn to CORRECTLY #sayNames. Ask Ss to correct us when we don't UNTIL we do. Their names matter. Its part of their identity. Do not offer to shorten it, or ask them for their "Canadian names", or say you "cant say it". Most of us can say 'Tchaikovsky', we can learn to say names.

Think about who your Ss are. What kind of diversity is present? how have we made it apparent in the books, posters on walls? Encourage Ss to speak/write in languages they speak at home. Integrate it into name cards they may create. Let them know they belong #3rdTeacher

Ask ourselves, what do we know about the identities of the Ss in our classrooms? What are the assumptions we are making about the students, the community? How does that shape our expectations and are they high with the proper scaffolds so they can be successful. #HighExpectations

What learning do we need to do, to be able to serve well in this class/community? As educators, we are visitors on the landscapes of schools @DrDebbiePushor SO what do we need to learn, to be better able to help children succeed. How are we preparing them to lead us?

How might we extend classroom learning at home with families? How do we communicate in ways that parents will receive it & know they and their children matter? Do we need translated materials? When parents walk in do they see their lived realities/cultures/expectations reflected?

Cocreate the #expectations. Remember to find your joy in the day, in the magic of Ss curiosity and challenge. In their wonder and banter. Remember to laugh and not sweat the small stuff. Think about how they leave so they want to come back the next day.

@Tribes is a great for building classroom community. Let Ss know you demand & expect the best, that they will work hard/play hard& laugh continually. Be silly too!! Life is short, enjoy your moments - they will too. In fact it's what they will remember the most. #lovethemALL

The one that challenges us the most, is probably the most like us. Approach from a place of wonder- what lesson are they teaching us about ourselves? How can i adapt things to make the space better. We are professionals. #Wegotthis

For children with #disabilities, those who are not neuro-typical, how do we make sure the environment is set up from the start, the way we deliver lessons, the way we chunk, so they do not feel separate or left out. #CommunityIncludesAllofUS

It's hard work. Its exactly what brought us to education - to make a difference. Our Ss need &deserve you. When the #ConditionsforLearning are created, #Achievement will follow. It will help their/your #WellBeing #HAPPYNEWYEAR #ChangeTheWorld #CentreStudents #InclusiveDesign

@Ms_Karnad @RashmiSwarup @CecilRoachSO @VidyaShah6 @AnthonyNMorgan @RenuMandhane @RacializedEDU @NickBertrand9 @JackNigro @bowdendl @LC4_TDSB @LC2_TDSB @LC1_TDSB @LC3_TDSB @edutopia @AlexanderJodyd @equity_DDSB @MrMichaelBowe @DebbieDonsky @curtisennis10 @poleen_grewal