Making Connections

I had a terrific opportunity to attend the Making Connections conference last week in Richmond, BC. This conference focuses on school-wide systems such as Effective Behaviour Systems (EBS) to enhance student success and achievement.

At first I was somewhat disappointed when I attended the sessions. I wanted an "earth-shattering" moment, where I would learn something new, cutting-edge and be excited and keen to try it with my class. It seemed that the ideas were things I already knew.

Despite no "earth-shattering" moments, I did attend a good session on classroom management models and I used those ideas with my class today. It was very effective, and the best part is, I find I am focusing on the positive behaviours of all the students in my class, not just the negative behaviours of a few. I have tried so many things with a group of three boys who constantly call out, disrupt the class and act silly. I am using tickets, class points and behaviour plans. But, this new idea involves everyone. It requires constant monitoring on my part, but I monitor EVERYONE and reward EVERYONE. At the end of the day I didn't feel as exhausted and defeated as I sometimes feel. It was quite successful. I really did make a connection!

One of the sessions said that establishing relationships with your students is very crucial. I have always felt this is important. I thrive on those relationships and try to establish them immediately. Today it meant comforting a sobbing child who felt extremely sad (and maybe guilty?) after hitting another child on the head with a mallet during Music. He just sobbed, didn't say a word, but I let him know I was there when he wanted to talk. Again, connection made.

So, maybe I didn't attend an "earth-shattering" session, but who's to say I needed it? It seems what I needed was a gentle reminder of how to manage my class more effectively. Connection made!