connection at a distance

While I'm not currently teaching in the classroom there is still lots of learning happening. One of the wonderful things about Education for Life is that it is something that we teachers can (and do!) apply in our own lives, not just in the classroom. 

One of the building blocks of education are the relationships - building a sense of safety and connection so that learning can happen. It's how our brains are wired actually! If we don't feel safe and connected we can't access the higher brain states (in the prefrontal cortex) where learning and decision making happen.

Well, with all of us at a distance these days, connections have become even more important but also a little harder to maintain at times. I'm realizing that simply showing up on a Zoom call does not automatically equal connection. I've noticed myself so focused on the lesson plan that I forget there are real people on the other end! Just like in the classroom, each person needs some little opportunity to feel seen and heard to create that authentic connection each time we interact. 

In the classroom we have certain routines and rituals that serve to build this connection, like our class jobs and circle time, but those are harder to maintain right now. So I've started using "would you rather" questions to start our weekly Zoom calls. They're silly but they get the conversation going and get everyone to participate right away. Our last one was "Would you rather play soccer wearing high heels or basketball on roller skates?" I love hearing their answers and being surprised by their reasons!

Put connection first and the rest will follow in my experience. These questions, which may seem "pointless," give a way for each of us to consciously and intentionally show up for our time together and give each person the opportunity to be acknowledged. It brings us into the present moment where connection happens, no matter the distance, and opens our minds to learn, grow and problem solve together.