Tag: listening

Strengthening Student Voice in the Expression-Driven Classroom

by Phil Harrison

Expression-driven classrooms are designed to help students find and strengthen their voice. To allow for maximum growth, teachers need to be intentional in designing classroom practices and procedures that encourage every student to grow. In the book, Amplify Student Voices: Equitable Practices to Build Confidence in the Classroom, authors AnnMarie Baines, Diana Medina, and Caitlin … Continue reading Strengthening Student Voice in the Expression-Driven Classroom

The Power of Storytelling

by Phil Harrison

I recently completed a six month mentor-guided course in public speaking, and in every session my mentor told me, “Your story is your superpower.” With that mindset, he encouraged me to start compiling a list of personal stories that I might include in presentations I make in the future, so that the presentations will have … Continue reading The Power of Storytelling

Helping Students Learn to Listen with Empathy and Understanding

by Phil Harrison

Fred Rogers, the mild-mannered host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” knew the importance of empathy and understanding with young children.  He would often spend hours talking with children to help them get answers to the questions they had.  In one interview he stressed the importance of listening and connecting with others.  He said, “In times of … Continue reading Helping Students Learn to Listen with Empathy and Understanding

The Power of Habits of Mind

by Phil Harrison

Charles Duhigg knows the importance of habits.  His book The Power of Habit is steeped in his extensive research into how habits are developed, how they can be changed, why they are useful, and why they are so enduring.  If you haven’t read the book, I would encourage you to do so.  It is fascinating.  … Continue reading The Power of Habits of Mind

Showing Care in the Classroom

by Phil Harrison

Students want you to care, and they have developed a sense of whether or not a teacher truly cares based upon their prior experiences with adults in and out of school.  Researchers Jamia M. Thomas-Richmond and M. Caroline O’Quinn conducted a study to determine student’s perceptions of caring and respect. They published their findings in … Continue reading Showing Care in the Classroom

How Does Collaboration Look?

by Phil Harrison

Have you ever tried to put together a jigsaw puzzle without seeing the picture first? It can be an overwhelming task that is fraught with frustration. Developing a collaborative classroom can sometimes be like that. As teachers, we want to see how collaboration will look. We want a clear visual exemplar of how the tasks … Continue reading How Does Collaboration Look?

What Type of Sandpaper Do I Use?

by Phil Harrison

If you have ever had to buy sandpaper, you might have found yourself overwhelmed by the many types available. You may not have known that the particles on sandpaper come in a variety of sizes and in a variety of material types. You may not have known that each size and material type is used … Continue reading What Type of Sandpaper Do I Use?