Neila A. Connors - If You Don't Feed the Students, They Starve

The following chart on attitude outlines our chances of success:

Source: author unknown

An FSS is known for recognizing that the emotional dimension of learning and teaching is at the core of the mission statement and climate. A mission statement is short yet clear, succinct, and easy to remember. It sends the message to everyone that students and learning are valued . The emotional climate is essential.

“In the long run, the pessimist may be proven right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip!”

Author unknown

Kindra Teale writes in her article “How I Make Every Student Feel Valued in My Classroom” that she is a “PROUD teacher who believes the noble profession is a craft which is honed through live experience and HEART. Every day I drive to work, I repeat the same mantra-prayer in my head. PLEASE help my mind find the right words when I feel challenged or impatient, show no malice when a middle schooler tells me to F-off – again, keep my sense of humor, be a good listener, teach my content area well and above all else, look into the eyes of each student with KINDNESS.” KINDNESS is the key to everything shared. You go, girl.

Kindra has it in a nutshell. She is making her students feel valued. Do you have a daily mantra? An example is the one I use every day preparing for my middle school students: Too BLESSED to be STRESSED, Too EQUIPPED to be WHIPPED, and Too ANOINTED to be DISAPPOINTED.

When I meet my students on the first day of school, I have them answer the following questionnaire.

1 Name: __________ What to call you: _________

2 A special talent I have is:

3 # of brothers: _______ # of sisters: _____________

4 Something about your family:

5 Respectful means:Responsible means:Ready means:

6 My birthday is:

7 My favorite color is:

8 My favorite food is:

9 My favorite subject is:

10 My favorite teacher is _________________ because:

11 Who is a hero in your life?

12 What do you want to do after high school?

13 I wish:

14 School is:

15 I love:

16 The most fun I have is when I:

17 Math is:

18 I'm happiest when:

19 A gift/reward that I would work hard to earn is:

20 I'm thankful for:

21 Actions that teachers take to F.E.E.D me:

22 TEN other facts you need to know about me:

This gives me an overview of each student in my class. I have them complete it again in April to see what has changed. A climate focused on dignity and respect where everyone is valued ultimately develops the positive relationships we hunger to establish.

Following are specific activities and ideas that can be implemented to reinforce how to F.E.E.D. students so they don't S.T.A.R.V.E.:

1 At each table of teams identify the definition of each term (dignity and respect), three activities already in place that emphasize dignity and respect, and one activity that each adult personally does to emphasize dignity and respect.

2 Have teams identify qualities of a meaningful relationship in a staff meeting. Share and have a discussion on building relationships with students.

3 Encourage random acts of kindness in students and adults. Create an “I saw you being KIND today” certificate to give out to students caught being kind. They can go to the office to share with the administration and receive a reward.

4 Discuss the history of Native Americans with students. Share the Native American Code of Ethics and discuss each blessing:

Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy, and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed, and treat them with respect and honor.Do not take what is not yours, whether from a person, a community, the wilderness, or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.Respect all things that are placed upon this earth. Whether it be people or plants.Honor other people's thoughts, wishes, and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body, and spirit. Practice optimism.Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. Animals, plants, and other living creatures are all part of your worldly family.“A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort!”Herm AlbrightChildren are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life's lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.

1 Conduct a “Respect Survey” for every adult and student in the FSS during the first or second month of school and as needed throughout the year. This survey requests the following:Do you consider yourself a respectful person?What do you do to demonstrate respect to others?What disrespectful acts have you observed personally and toward others?

1 Experience things deeply.

2 Let us express ourselves.

3 Let us know it was OK to ask questions.

4 Let us know it was OK to not understand at first.

5 Told us it was OK to be different.

6 Told us it was OK to have different opinions.

7 Let us know it was OK to stand out.

8 Always kept us in good spirits.

9 Taught us to always have a positive outlook on life.

10 Taught us there is no cure for ignorance.

1 Did you report the disrespectful acts to an adult? If no, why? If yes, was it corrected?What suggestions do you have to make our school more respectful?

1 Develop your daily mantra like Kindra Teale did, and repeat it daily.

2 Develop a questionnaire to give to your students on the first day so you get to know them personally. You can refer back to their answers throughout the year. Complete the same questionnaire at the end of the school year and have them compare their own answers.

3 View this video at a staff meeting – https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/teacher-student-relationship– and discuss the passion of teaching.

Now that we have the best climate and culture and a caring environment for all students, we must create an ambiance of care, comfort, and cleanliness to F.E.E.D. the students.