Here are a few suggestions for engaging students who seem distracted and lost by all the chaos in our modern lives and classrooms.
Start with team-building activities. Things like icebreakers, challenges, games etc. that allow students to connect and see each other's strengths.
Create a shared vision a powerful WHY, just cause. Work with students to establish values, goals and expectations together for the classroom. Gives a sense of shared purpose.
Share vulnerable stories. Teachers opening up about mistakes, challenges and lessons learned models empathy and humanity.
Foster personal connections.
Greet each student by name, learn about their lives, listen deeply to their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage peer support. Have students share struggles and give each other feedback. Let them see each others' humanity.
Allow flexibility in learning. Give choices in how students learn and express knowledge based on their strengths/needs.
Be understanding of failure. Emphasize an infinite/growth mindset. Let students learn from mistakes without judgment.
Discuss real-world issues. Explore ethical dilemmas, current events, social topics relevant to their lives. Builds empathy and community.
Incorporate social-emotional learning. Teach and reflect on skills like self-awareness, self-care, communication, resiliency, flexibility, and relationship building.
Connect lessons to students' interests and experiences. Find ways to incorporate topics and examples they care about. This helps show relevance and meaning.
Get students collaborating. Let them work together on projects, discussions, etc. This builds community and accountability.
Offer choices and flexibility when possible. Provide options for how students can show their learning. This gives them some autonomy.
Be understanding. Avoid shaming or punishing them for distractions. Build rapport, agency, and trust. They need support, not discipline.
Discuss the impacts of being distracted and distracting others. Have open conversations about Tic Toc, Youtube, social media, distraction, mental health, etc. Kids appreciate honesty and guidance.
Encourage empathy, flexibility, balance and self-control. Teach strategies for managing tech habits. Set boundaries with compassion.
Make learning active and participatory. Get them out of seats, away from devices, using their full minds/bodies.
Focus on character and ethics. Guide students to reflect on their values and integrity. Help them see life's bigger picture.
The main thing is showing kids you care about them as human beings, not just students.
Meet them where they are, earn their trust, and inspire their best selves. Be patient, creative and lead with empathy.
The End of Friendship?
- Friendship at its core is about mutual care and empathy, support and enjoyment of each other's company. While humor and fun can be part of friendship, relationships built solely on showing off may lack depth and meaning.
- Social media and technology have changed the way many young people interact and form friendships. This provides new opportunities but also challenges in building strong bonds.
- As we grow older, many of us look for more meaningful friendships based on trust, shared interests and emotional intimacy. Shallow relationships often fade.
- Regardless of age, the best friendships make us feel seen, heard and valued for who we are as a person. Developing empathy, listening skills and emotional intelligence can help nurture these types of rewarding bonds.
- Friendships evolve across the lifespan. How young people connect may be different from older generations. But the core desire for belonging and mutual understanding remains constant.
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