Teachable Moments
Monday, January 24, 2011
Stay Vigilent!
The news has featured reports of several incidents of shootings at local schools. Clearly, students and staff have the potential each day to encounter some measure of danger. Comprehensive high schools may run a higher risk of danger than any other types of schools, since it is difficult and time consuming to require scanning for 3-5 thousand students everyday.
My suggestion to every staff member is to listen to the children and pay attention to their conversations as well as their body language. Generally, students give themselves away, because they really want someone to know about their intentions.
As a classroom teacher, I would encourage all of you to talk to your students...all the time! If you have the time, keep your classroom doors open during nutrition, lunch or before/after school. You may want to have a "suggestion box" or sharing time built into your class activities during the week.
If you pay attention to the news, you will find that generally the incident could have been prevented because the individual communicated by way of internet, conversation or letter about their plans.
As you develop trust relationships with your students, you will find them more willing to talk about very sensitive issues. These efforts may save a life!
Stay vigilent!
My suggestion to every staff member is to listen to the children and pay attention to their conversations as well as their body language. Generally, students give themselves away, because they really want someone to know about their intentions.
As a classroom teacher, I would encourage all of you to talk to your students...all the time! If you have the time, keep your classroom doors open during nutrition, lunch or before/after school. You may want to have a "suggestion box" or sharing time built into your class activities during the week.
If you pay attention to the news, you will find that generally the incident could have been prevented because the individual communicated by way of internet, conversation or letter about their plans.
As you develop trust relationships with your students, you will find them more willing to talk about very sensitive issues. These efforts may save a life!
Stay vigilent!