What+is+a+Nurturing+Environment

Effects of Poverty, Abuse and Violence on Learning Friday, February 5, 2010


 * __ Characteristics of a Nurturing Environment for Students Affected by Poverty, Abuse and Violence __**

Kathy · Red classroom, Pink classroom, light blue – calm, · Rolling chairs, Couch, students think they would learn more in a comfortable environment. · Classroom has to have a SMARTboard · Black drapes so no one can see in  ·  Flat screen TV  ·  Rocking Chair – 1st come first serve – incentive to come to class early · Not too much stimuli that may take them over the edge  Carrie · Consistency · Welcoming · Safe · Honesty and Follow-Through, both negative and positive Donna · Safe · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Trusting relationships · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Calming, supportive, accepting of who they are and what they’re dealing with · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Listen to what is going on with them · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Respectful, expecting respect back · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having expectations, reasonable but high · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plants in the environment · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Displaying their work, builds self esteem · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bean Bag chair · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Use lunch time to connect with the kids <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chuck · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider their feelings and things that affect their personalities, none of the cognitive stuff will happen until those are taken care of. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jim · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Make a connection with the kids; find common ground that you can connect with – basketball. · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Play basketball, anyone that beats me doesn’t have to do the assignment – report building. · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lamps <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">John · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">· **__  Knowledge of and Interest - CONNECT  __**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> – who are they, what are their interests, ask them questions about their lives, get to know each of them. Periodically check in on information that you have spoken about previously to show them that you cared enough to remember about things that are important to them. Think about treating and conversing like they were your own kids, because most likely they aren’t getting this type of conversation and interest in their troubled lives. – **Kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care**. – Compliments of Joe Lachowicz · **__  Greeting  __**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> – GENUINE greeting upon entrance to the building or your room or at first sight. FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT. (“How are you today? How was your weekend? Etc.) · **__  Praise their Efforts and Performance  __**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> – Let them know they are worth something in your class and in life. Show them that you are proud of their efforts with your comments and reactions to their answers and work. Legitimize their projects by asking if you can display them in the hallway for others to see. I don’t think you can go overboard here as long and you are acting genuine. Again, you may need to FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT. · **__  Make the Environment High Class  __**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">– With their lives in disarray, taking care of their environment is a reflection of the worth they have in your classroom. If the President or Pope was coming over you would do certain things to prepare in an effort to show your respect and honor. Do the same for your students. Keep the room clean and organized; if you want bring in homey items such as curtains and lamps they can add to the classiness of the environment. · **__  LISTEN  __**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">– They are looking for role models. Listen to them; they want to talk to us. If it takes some time from the academics, so be it, their academic needs are secondary at best at this point in their lives. Many of our students have behaviors and say things that are inappropriate because they are starving for care and concern from adults. Listen to what they are really saying beyond their words.

PREVIOUS PAGE