Connection Through Content
Definition:
Intentional activities or actions done throughout the lesson to build relationships and connections between teacher, student, and content; focused on fostering a safe and engaging learning environment.
Best Practice
- Structure and delivery are purposeful and cohesive, connected to content and students’ interests
- Allows all students’ voices to be heard (able to measure /show evidence of equitable student contribution).
- Builds smoothly and responsively throughout a lesson and course to deeper levels of vulnerability, sharing, etc. between the teacher and the students
- Successfully incorporates research-based practices around restorative models, trauma informed care, and/or mindfulness
Examples:
Mindful minute, restorative circles, polls/surveys, team-building/class-building structures; Kagan Structures (Take off/touch down; Rally/Round Robin; Timed-Pair-Share; Social Skills Chart
