Being connected to a network of people is critical to growth and success in all parts of our lives. But how can we help students engage in meaningful connection and build purposeful school relationships? Instead of saying, “What’s in it for me?”
Being connected to a network of people is critical to growth and success in all parts of our lives. But how can we help students engage in meaningful connection and build purposeful school relationships? Instead of saying, “What’s in it for me?” students should ask, “How can I help and be supportive of other people?” Our elementary school has practiced this in the form of our “Connections” groups for over 10 years. It has truly shaped the way students value all relationships with purpose and meaning.
Make the time to build school relationships.
Planning connection opportunities for students is the most challenging and time-consuming piece to it all. Each year becomes more manageable, and it adds incredible value and depth to our school community.
We use summer to decide what our connections groups focus areas will be. We have focused on author studies, building social skills, and increasing access to multicultural titles. This year, we’re trying STEM engineering activ