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Each student brings a unique set of interests, needs, strengths, and circumstances to school and teachers often struggle to connect with students, especially those facing the greatest challenges. Yet research and common sense tell us that educators positively impact student learning and achievement when they connect their students’ lives outside of school to their learning and the larger school community.
On this episode of the Whole Child Podcast, we heard from two guests who shared strategies for meeting students where they are now, while preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
- Eric Jensen, author of Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids’ Brains and What Schools Can Do About It, identified action steps educators can take to address student risk factors—including health and safety issues and cognitive, social, and emotional challenges—and help students’ brains catch up and
- Sean Slade, the new director of ASCD’s Healthy School Communities Initiative, who shared his expertise in connecting students to their learning environment and fostering resilience, well-being, and success.
How do you connect students’ lives to what they are learning? Share your ideas and questions with other educators committed to meeting students where they are. Share your thoughts on the Whole Child Blog.
