THE ART OF SHARED POWER

Power struggles can be a difficult thing to overcome in the classroom setting. Allowing our students to have a sense of identity and choice can remove that struggle. In order for student success to occur we as adults have to balance structure and nurture in our relationships. Here are some other ideas to help you balance nurture and structure in the classroom:

VOICE: Be aware of your voice. The tone, volume, and cadence of your voice affects a student's ability to regulate his or her own emotions. As the adult, of you aren't regulated, how do you expect a child (even a teenage child) to calm his or her big feelings?

EYES: Be aware of your eyes when you ask for their eye contact. Your gentle eyes matter. If you aren't able to look at the student and see his or her preciousness despite their behavior in that moment, step away and take a moment to regulate your own emotions. Ask and never force a student to give you eye contact.

MATCH: Get on their level to connect. Match their posture and position.

For example, if the student is sitting on the ground, you sit on the ground the same way. If the student has his or her head down on the table, sit down and put your head on the table and calmly talk to the student before giving the choices.

VISUAL CUE: Holding up 2 fingers as a visual cue while explaining their choices. Keep it short and simple to understand. Remember the choices need to be two things you are willing to allow.

These strategies work across age groups. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first but felt safety is crucial for the success of our students. Pick one strategy to implement and see if you notice a change in responses.