Cultivate a Caring, Confident Classroom Community (Yes, Even During a Pandemic!)
Jodie Shell • September 21, 2021
Ah, ‘back-to-school’ season. It’s here! Newly polished floors, perfectly pointy crayons, freshly sharpened pencils, warm and welcoming teachers, and school staff …the list goes on. The primary objective of school, you ask? Well, that’s an easy one: to facilitate learning in a space that’s physically and emotionally safe, of course. But there’s a bit more to it than that.
You see, school is a special place where many children are experiencing a structured setting outside of their homes for the very first time. And within the walls of each classroom, something exceptional is happening. Meaningful relationships and routines are being built. A new community is beginning to form and blossom. Carving out time to cultivate an environment where each student takes ownership and feels valued is essential. That community is the firm foundation for all the ‘must-do’ learning to be built upon! But, you may be asking yourself, can that joyful, productive vibe of a caring classroom community really come to fruition in the midst of a lingering pandemic? Absolutely. It can and it must ! Here are a few simple, usable ideas to get you started:
- There is no doubt that our children’s learning has been interrupted in one way or another over the course of the last two school years. Rather than solely focusing on what your students can’t do quite yet, make time to celebrate what your girls and boys can do! Maybe one of your students learned to make a mean peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, perhaps another took up gardening, or perfected their knock-knock joke game. The benefits of spotlighting your students’ strengths are multifold: each one will see that you value their unique interests & abilities, that interest and admiration that you’re modeling will be emulated, and the momentum of confidence being built will eventually spill over into learning. Time spent showcasing student strengths outside of academics is not wasted time.
- Your students have likely spent more time with family in the recent past than ever before. Why not capitalize on that by inviting the children to share unique aspects of their family culture and traditions? This could be done during informal classroom conversation, or at home on a poster board that children bring back for you to display around the room, for example.
- Speaking of traditions, rather than scrapping beloved school traditions, consider keeping them around but with a few new, creative twists. Perhaps across-grade-level ‘Reading Buddies’ could continue to go on if you were to meet outdoors (or in the cafeteria when the weather is inclement). Maybe the annual PTO ‘Family Pumpkin Carving Contest’ or school-wide talent show could be held via Zoom if they aren’t able to take place in person.
- Being socially distanced in the classroom doesn’t have to feel militant or drab to your students. If you’ve been asked to keep your students socially distanced in the classroom, make it cheerful! Follow guidelines in a way that feels vibrant and upbeat by occasionally placing hula-hoops, yoga mats, or beach towels on the floors of your classroom to delineate seating, for example.
- No matter your personal feelings about all that’s going on in the world right now, we can all certainly agree that circumstances can move from calm to stressful quickly. Model anxiety lowering techniques for your students, like deep breaths, a moment of meditation, and positive self-talk. When your students can self-regulate, the whole classroom community will benefit.
The GrapeSEED English for Children curriculum values creating a calm learning environment while providing language acquisition lessons that allow young ELLs and older newcomers to be confident, capable, and caring members of their classroom communities. To learn more about GrapeSEED and how it works, contact us!
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
Welcome to the world of dynamic learning, where initiation and perseverance are the secret superhero skills every elementary school student needs! These executive function skills are the power-ups that help students start tasks with enthusiasm and stick with them until the very end. Let's dive into some creative ways to nurture these skills and make your classroom a hub of engaged learners! Why Initiation and Perseverance Matter: Cultivating initiation and perseverance in students is like giving them the keys to academic success. These skills not only help students tackle homework and projects but also prepare them for real-world challenges. By fostering these abilities, you're equipping your students with resilience and self-motivation that will serve them beyond the classroom. Strategies to Encourage Initiation: Start with a Bang : Kick off lessons with intriguing questions or exciting stories to capture students' curiosity. For example, "What if you woke up one day as a superhero? What would your first mission be?" Break It Down: Teach students to divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes starting less daunting and gives them a clear path forward. Choice Boards: Offer a variety of activities related to the lesson topic and let students pick their starting point. This autonomy boosts their interest and willingness to begin. Classroom Challenges: Set up light-hearted competitions where students can earn points or badges for starting tasks promptly. Who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry? Building Perseverance: Praise the Process: Focus on effort and strategy rather than just results. Celebrate when students try different approaches and persist through difficulties. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and track their progress. Seeing small wins adds up to big motivation! Reflection Time: Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned from their challenges. This helps them understand that every hurdle is a learning opportunity. Perseverance Stories: Share stories of famous figures who overcame obstacles. Discuss how perseverance played a role in their success and relate it back to students' own experiences. Fun Activities to Reinforce These Skills: Initiation Stations: Create activity stations around the classroom that students can choose to start with. Each station could have a unique, fun challenge that aligns with the lesson. Perseverance Puzzles: Use puzzles or brain teasers that require patience and strategy. Working through these together can be a rewarding class exercise. Story Time Heroes: Have students write short stories featuring characters who overcome obstacles through perseverance. This can be a creative writing exercise that doubles as a life lesson. Empowering students with the skills of initiation and perseverance transforms your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. By implementing these strategies, you'll help your students become proactive, determined, and ready to tackle any challenge with a smile. Here’s to a classroom full of unstoppable learners! If you would love to learn how GrapeSEED can positively impact your students, just click here!
