Project Aware
One of my favorite quotes from the presentation by project aware was "think differently" - Apple Inc. This seemed to sum up all that there was in future education as well as the lives of the youth in the program. The students involved in project aware are being taught to think differently about what it means to deal with their emotions. As a future educator of these kids, the speakers from project aware challenged us to recognize the little things that our students do. These could be nicknames, hobbies, family, or any other small connections made with the students. Making a connection with kids on a more intimate level will help them feel more comfortable in the classroom. I want each of my students to feel at ease in my classroom and that it is a safe place for them to take risks, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, students need to reach all the levels at the bottom of the triangle before the can even begin to work on self-actualization, which is the top tear.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, students need to reach all the levels at the bottom of the triangle before the can even begin to work on self-actualization, which is the top tear.
Project Aware also pointed out some things about behavior that I hadn’t thought of before, yet found to be extremely interesting. They told us that behavior is simply a form of communication, and that we as humans use it to communicate two things.
1. To escape something
2. To gain something
Students that are misbehaving in class are trying to communicate something, but they have never been taught how escape or gain something in a more positive way. We as their teachers are responsible for not only teaching them content, but also social skills. Some students don’t have any other positive role models in their lives to teach them. We can be the one positive influence in their lives and maybe even help in the saving of a life of a student.
We were also given tips for dealing with a student who is “raging”. First, we are not to take anything said out of rage personally. Second, we are not to mimic their behavior. We need to continue to model correct behavior. Talking to students on a personal level will help to build a positive relationship, and avoid the situation all together.
Lastly, I loved hearing the amazing stories of the student speakers that went through project aware. It helped me see that there is hope for kids at risk and that all we need to do is give them a chance and the proper resources from us. The kids do see what we do to make an effort to build a relationship, even if they don’t show it on the outside.
1. To escape something
2. To gain something
Students that are misbehaving in class are trying to communicate something, but they have never been taught how escape or gain something in a more positive way. We as their teachers are responsible for not only teaching them content, but also social skills. Some students don’t have any other positive role models in their lives to teach them. We can be the one positive influence in their lives and maybe even help in the saving of a life of a student.
We were also given tips for dealing with a student who is “raging”. First, we are not to take anything said out of rage personally. Second, we are not to mimic their behavior. We need to continue to model correct behavior. Talking to students on a personal level will help to build a positive relationship, and avoid the situation all together.
Lastly, I loved hearing the amazing stories of the student speakers that went through project aware. It helped me see that there is hope for kids at risk and that all we need to do is give them a chance and the proper resources from us. The kids do see what we do to make an effort to build a relationship, even if they don’t show it on the outside.