We are in a battle, battle for our minds, battle for our children, and battle for truth. In battle there are usually wounds. God said in this world you will have trouble but our HOPE is in a higher power. As the battles rage what is your war strategy for this school year?

1. In a world void of truth and hope INFILTRATE God’s light and word into your encounters. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5 NLT
2. In a discouraged world seek to INSPIRE action. “We’ve all heard, you can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. True, but as a parent-teacher-coach, you can make him thirsty.” Michael Altshuler Hebrews 10:24-25
3. Be INTENTIONAL about self-care. You can not give or model what you do not possess. Start each day with your heart on God’s chest. Breathe deeply and welcome the day knowing that nothing is beyond the arms of God’s reach. 2 Corinthians 9:8
   

Now go out and change the world this year, one child at a time!

In an ever increasing artificially intelligent world it is more important than ever to make deep personal connections with our children. The human factor can’t be replicated. There is no replacement for human connection and the human touch.

The number one factor impacting youth mental health is relationships with trusted adults. Our number one job as educators is to forge these important developmental relationships with our students. It is only through this connection that we may impart the knowledge and wisdom that our children so desperately need.

Building these relationships takes time. This school year don’t rush into content until you have taken time to get to know your students personally. Follow this development framework by Search Institute.

1. Express Care: Start each day with a designated sharing activity. Ease into the day by demonstrating that they matter more than anything else. End the day with a “take away” by asking each student to ponder and recount the best thing that happened or the most valuable thing they learned.
2. Challenge Student Growth: Children want to rise to the expectations of adults they know and trust. Set the bar high.
3. Provide Support: Help children by showing them how to attain their goals and new expectations.
4. Share Power: Demonstrate that you believe in them by giving them the opportunity to discuss classroom and/or family standards and make decisions.
5. Expand Possibilities: Share and connect students with opportunities and ideas that broaden their mindset.

Childhood is so important. The late Frederick Douglas said it best, "It is easier to build strong children than to fix a broken man.”

Cultivate the connections that build a child. As technology expands, stay grounded in the knowledge that as God's children we are all the irreplaceable masterpiece of the universe, made in the very image of the great creator God who made it all! Read more…

God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV