Beyond Labels: How Words Shape Classroom Dynamics and Family Trust with Nawal Qarooni & Sarah Schlessinger, Ed.D.
Schoolutions: Curious Educators. Evidence-Based Strategies. Classrooms Where Every Child Thrives.
09/30/24
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In this episode of Schoolutions, host Olivia Wahl engages in a thought-provoking conversation with educators Nawal Qarooni and Sarah Schlessinger, Ed.D., about the crucial impact of language in educational settings. Drawing from their ASCD article Consider Your Words, they discuss:
- The importance of mindful language when discussing students and families
- Strategies for avoiding harmful labels and preconceived notions
- Practical steps for educators to reflect on and improve their use of language
- The role of coaches in facilitating these important conversations
Key topics include:
- Critical disability studies and linguistic justice in education
- Techniques for reframing discussions about student abilities and needs
- Engaging families as experts on their children
- Building trust and vulnerability in coaching relationships
This episode offers valuable strategies for teachers, coaches, and administrators looking to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments through thoughtful communication.
Featuring research insights from Dr. Sami Schalk, Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, and Dr. April Baker-Bell, this conversation provides both theoretical grounding and practical advice for educators at all levels.
✨Check Out Nawal and Sarah’s Recommended Researchers & Resources:
- Dr. Sami Schalk, who wrote Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics
- Dr. Subini Ancy Annamma, who was part of the team that coined DisCrit as a term, particularly this piece on DisCrit Classroom Ecology
- Dr. April Baker-Bell's Black Linguistic Justice
- The Resilient Teacher: Creating Positive Change through Inclusive Classrooms, authored by Sarah L. Schlessinger, collection edited by Janise Hurtig
📣More Episode Mentions:
- S3E25: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations
- Nawal’s book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care
- S4 E2: The Art of the Classroom Visit: Insights from Morgan Davis on Effective Coaching Practices
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Previous Episode
Join host Olivia Wahl as she sits down with Meg and Brett Reichert, a military family navigating the unique challenges and unexpected joys of frequent relocation. In this heartfelt episode of Schoolutions: Coaching & Teaching Strategies, the Reicherts open up about:
- The realities of moving 6-9 times during a child's K-12 education
- Strategies for helping kids build friendships across distances
- Balancing career purpose with family needs
- Adapting parenting styles to different communities
- Finding stability amidst constant change
Meg, a health and wellness coach, and Brett, an Army officer pursuing a Ph.D., share candid insights on raising two young boys while embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Their story illuminates the resilience of military families and offers valuable perspectives on creating "home" wherever you land. Whether you're a military family yourself or simply curious about this unique way of life, this episode provides an intimate look at the sacrifices, adventures, and unexpected gifts of frequently uprooting your family for service.
Meg and Brett offer several strategies for managing life as a military family with frequent moves:
- Community Building:
- Joining local mom's Facebook groups to gather information about the new area
- Researching and enrolling in summer camps for kids before moving
- Joining gyms or fitness groups to meet like-minded people and build community
- Maintaining Connections:
- Using social media to stay in touch with friends from previous locations
- Setting up video game accounts for kids to play with distant family members and friends
- Encouraging pen pal relationships for children
- Education and Transition:
- Researching school districts and academic standards before moving
- Communicating with teachers about the unique needs of military children
- Focusing on the quality of education and community fit rather than just test scores
- Home Setup:
- Prioritizing setting up the children's rooms quickly to provide a sense of familiarity and stability
- Creating a "home base" feeling in each new location
- Emotional Support:
- Framing moves as adventures to help children view them positively
- Having open conversations about the challenges and benefits of their lifestyle
- Encouraging acceptance and adaptability in different communities
- Continuity in Interests:
- Researching opportunities to continue children's hobbies in new locations (e.g., horseback riding for their son)
- Parenting Approach:
- Adapting parenting styles to fit into new communities while maintaining core family values
- Balancing work commitments with family time (e.g., Brett consistently putting the kids to bed)
- Preparing for Moves:
- Involving children in discussions about potential future locations
- Reflecting on positive aspects of previous homes to create excitement for new possibilities
These strategies focus on maintaining stability, building connections, and fostering resilience in both parents and children as they navigate frequent relocations.
#MilitaryFamily #MilKids #ArmyLife #FrequentMoves #MilitarySpouse #ParentingOnTheMove #ResilienceInKids #MilitaryCommunity #ServiceAndSacrifice #AdventureLifestyle #BalancingCareerAndFamily #MakingFriendsOnTheGo #EducationAcrossBorders #MilitaryChildEducation #AdaptableKids #FamilyResilience #ServeAndParent
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Next Episode
In this episode of Schoolutions: Coaching and Teaching Strategies, I welcome back New York Times bestselling author and educator Jennifer Serravallo to discuss her latest book, Teaching Reading Across the Day: Methods and Structures for Engaging Explicit Instruction.
Jen shares insights on:
- The importance of balancing research-based practices with teacher autonomy
- Nine different lesson structures for teaching reading throughout the school day
- How to use various grouping strategies like focus groups, guided inquiry, and conversation groups
- Incorporating socio-cultural context into reading instruction
- Practical tips for implementing these structures in the classroom
Whether you're a seasoned educator looking to enhance your practice or a pre-service teacher seeking guidance, this episode offers valuable strategies for effective reading instruction. Jen and I discuss the research behind these methods and how teachers can adapt them to meet the needs of their students.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation on making reading instruction more meaningful and complete by acknowledging students' diverse backgrounds and funds of knowledge.
Jen’s Research Recommendations:
- The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading by Nell K. Duke & Kelly B. Cartwright (2021)
- Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know by Barak Rosenshine (2012)
#JenniferSerravallo #TeachingReadingAcrossTheDay #ReadingStrategies #WritingStrategies #ReadingInstruction #Corwin #TeacherPD (Professional Development) #LiteracyEducation #TeachingStrategies #EducatorResources #ClassroomIdeas #ReadingTeacher #TeacherAutonomy #TeacherTips #EducationInnovation #TeacherResources #LiteracyMatters #EdChat #DifferentiatedInstruction #LiteracyAcrossTheCurriculum #TeacherEmpowerment #TeacherPodcast
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
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