We are family!
Hey Reader!
Imagine the dynamics of a healthy family. When you walk in after a time away, you’re greeted with love and care. When you leave, you share warm good-byes and see-ya-laters. When you need help, there is some close-by to support you. Sometimes there is conflict but you learn how to work it out through healthy conversations and respecting boundaries from the foundation of strong connection and bonds. There is a pattern of forgiveness.
This sounds a lot like the family that God has envisioned for us. Our Father loves us unconditionally and is always excited to see us. He is always close when we need some help and comes alongside us as we try new things. When we mess up or fail, He picks us up and helps us try again. He calls us out when we behave poorly or have bad attitudes.(through the Holy Spirit within our conscience). And He is willing to forgive in a moment’s notice and allow us another opportunity to make things right.
Do you see your classroom as a similar family unit? Is there a deep sense of belonging for each child and adult in the classroom? How do you handle conflict? Is there an opportunity for forgiveness and a do-over to make things right? Is there an environment of team work where we help each other do hard things and encourage and cheer for each other as we show progress?
I first learned about the “School Family” concept through some training from Conscious Discipline. At its core, the School Family concept envisions the classroom as a family unit. Teachers become caregivers, and students, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, form a cohesive family. When children feel emotionally safe and are taught socially acceptable boundaries, they are better prepared to learn academic concepts for the long haul AND to have healthier relationships over the course of their lifetime.
The School Family concept has three basic pillars – safety, connection, and problem-solving. Safety fosters an environment where children feel secure to explore and learn, connection nurtures positive relationships between children and their caregivers, and problem-solving equips children with critical life skills to navigate challenges within a supportive family unit. There is grace for mistakes and room for teaching and discipling rather than just punishing.
Have you ever considered your classroom a little family unit? What small changes could you make to create a family environment? How does thinking of your classroom as a family change your attitude and approach toward conflict? I’d love for you and your team to have a conversation about this and brainstorm ways to build a family atmosphere within each classroom and within the team!
HERE is a link to our latest podcast episode where Kathy Wymer and I talk at length about school families. She actually shares some really practical things you can do in your classroom today! You can also find more info HERE on the Conscious Discipline website and in THIS book – Creating the School Family by Dr. Becky Bailey.
Want to take one easy first step? HERE is a great song to begin your day with the students in your classroom that include intentional, playful connections!
Cheering you on this week!
-Your ECCN team
Listen to this podcast episode with Faith Rivera now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
