A Full Backpack without Supplies!LaKisha Edwards-Grant, LPCi

Objective: We will learn how to build positive rapports with students whose personal baggage prevents them from focusing, believing, or achieving.

Fostering positive student-teacher relationships leads to academic achievement. As educators, we must meet students where they are and be the vehicle that takes them to where they need to go. This journey begins with rising up Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

http://sguditus.blogspot.com/2013/02/maslows-hierarchy-of-school-needs-steve.html

Strengthening self-esteem leads to increased academic-esteem. Educators can accomplish this key component in student success by: 1) Acknowledging and Addressing Needs

2) Building Positive Relationships

3) Creating A Safe Environment

4) Developing seeds of hope with WATER (Words Affirming Teaching Encouraging/Empowering Restoring)

Ways to WATERWords- Greet students with positive words. Affirming- Validate students’ needs and

acknowledge their strengths and growth. Teaching- Provide students with alternative

approaches to handle situations. Encouraging/Empowering- Use affirmations

and allow students to demonstrate their strengths/talents.

Restoring- Help students rebuild their tool bags.

Barriers and Non-School Factors Missing Components:

Parental Support Time Resources

Environment Peer Pressure Mental and Physical Health Bullying Low self-esteem At-risk behaviors: sex, drugs, and alcohol

Diminish or Develop

Are you being the vehicle to take students where they need to go, or are you dumping more baggage on them?

Let's Talk About It!Scenario Discussion

1. What feelings may the student experience?

2. What behaviors may be exhibited?

3. Share or role play for the group how a teacher can diminish or develop.

Contact InfoEmail: lakishagrant@watertheheart.comPhone: 972-813-9445Website: watertheheart.com