Comments on: Let’s Talk https://tamaravrussell.com/2016/11/lets-talk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lets-talk Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:39:40 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 By: Tamara https://tamaravrussell.com/2016/11/lets-talk/#comment-1608 Sat, 26 Nov 2016 18:55:49 +0000 https://tamaravrussell.com/?p=9791#comment-1608 In reply to Krystal L. Smith.

Instead of folks asking how can I get better for the kids, there’s a liberal dose of side eye given–especially when we question gimmicky methods of engagement that don’t really mean anything if real relationship isn’t fostered first. Kids of all colors value authenticity. Small things like remembering the correct pronunciation of their name, or recalling details from the last conversation you had with them adds value to the relationship you build. These are the real nuts and bolts. It’s not revolutionary…but…it WORKS. I am so glad we found each other out here!! Thanks for sharing your story!!

]]> By: Krystal L. Smith https://tamaravrussell.com/2016/11/lets-talk/#comment-1607 Sat, 26 Nov 2016 16:24:48 +0000 https://tamaravrussell.com/?p=9791#comment-1607 As a TOC, I enjoyed reading this post, Tamara. I had a teacher question me last year about the behavior of a student of color in my class year. This student was known to have severe behavior issues and racked up more suspensions than should be allowed for a child. However, I rarely had behavior issues with this student. One day the teacher says to me, “So…just magically behaves when you’re around?” To be quite blunt, the answer is yes. But as you mention in this post, I took the time to build a relationship with this student over a 2 year period before entering my classroom. I wasn’t sure I would be the student’s teacher when entering 5th grade, but I knew that if this student was placed into my homeroom, we’d already have a positive rapport. It’s more than standing on chairs, and playing hip hop music for sure! Thank you for being so brave and writing this post. TOC do matter and are importnant in today’s classrooms!

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