Good intentions can have a harmful impact so listen first when confronted Jan 11/21

Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum 

Know your students and let them know you care. Sound advice whether it in-person or remote learning according to our guest this week, Cathy Abrahams, President of the Ontario Public School Board Association and Trustee with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Language matters and can inhibit student engagement. Cathy share a story that has stuck with her about the impact of her teacher telling her “girls have a hard time doing math.” The Pandemic has impacted the mental health of students and teachers and that will inhibit student engagement.

Restorative practice suggestions:

  • Find a way to meet kids where they are at and talk with them.
  • Use technology to connect with students on the margins.
  • Take a step back and listen when confronted with the impact of our actions or words.
  • Ask open ended questions in situations where someone’s been harmed or impacted by decisions.

Order Steve’s book The Restorative Principal Leading in Education with Restorative Practices

Visit CircleForum for more information about attending to student absenteeism.