What if connection looked a little different?
Building relationships with students doesn’t always happen behind a desk or inside a classroom. Sometimes, it starts with meeting students where they are, finding common ground and creating moments that make them feel seen, valued and connected.
Whether it’s a greeting at the door, a conversation in the hallway or shooting hoops together, every interaction is an opportunity to build relational capacity.
Watch as our very own Coach McDade shares why those intentional moments matter.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH
I was fortunate to venture to the Appalachian Mountains & spend the morning w/ 60+ Custodians, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Cooks, Secretaries, Counselors, etc. from Barbour County School District for @iheartckh Culture Shapers Training
Great People! Beautiful trip 🍁
📍Philippi, WV
Celebrations with our Mighty Mustang staff! 💙 We celebrated our amazing counselor, Ms. Bebon, for her Gold Recognition; our teachers for their 90/60/30 achievements on MP1 9 weeks, and our staff’s years of service. @SocorroISD@counselor_HDHES@SBaezMorale_HES@iheartckh
Traveled to the Great Plains to spend the day w/ @MulvaneHigh Wildcats Teachers, Coaches, Counselors, Admin for @iheartckh CKH 2 Training
Great people taking advantage of insights and embracing opportunities to grow 🤝
📍Mulvane, KS
From the classroom door to the Jennifer Hudson Show! 💛
At Brusly Elementary, greeting students at the door is more than a morning routine. It’s an intentional way to help every student feel seen, valued and loved from the moment they arrive.
We’re so proud to see Ms. Mulmore’s incredible work and this powerful CKH practice recognized on The Jennifer Hudson Show! What a special reminder that small moments of connection can make a big impact. 💛
Watch the video to see this amazing CKH practice in action!
https://t.co/sswnjOmg1H
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH #GreetingAtTheDoor
How are you welcoming students at the door? Share a picture or tell us how you’re making those first moments of the day meaningful. We’d love to see how you’re building connection before the learning even begins!
A greeting at the door may seem like a small moment, but it can make a big difference. Taking a moment to welcome each student by name, make eye contact or offer a personalized greeting helps students feel seen, valued and ready to learn.
This month, make it a goal to greet your students at the door and start each day with connection.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH #GreetingAtTheDoor
Be a best-practice scout!
Campus leaders, as you visit classrooms, keep an eye out for practices worth celebrating. When you see something excellent, snap a quick picture and share it at your next staff meeting.
Claim it. Name it. Explain it.
Help your team learn from the great things happening across your campus!
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH
Had the opportunity to return to the High Desert and spend a couple days w/ some of the good people from Palmdale School District
16 different campuses represented in @iheartckh CKH 1 Training
Brand new teachers to multi-decade vets coming together 🤝
📍Palmdale, CA
Every art class starts with a Do Now followed by Good News, a tool I learned from @teachworthy and @iheartckh. We share first with turn and talk and then whole group (with the talking hat!). It’s a great way to build artist communities and connect with our @KennedyCougs 🐾❤️
What do you want people to experience when they walk into your school…and how consistently are they experiencing it?
We are 5 weeks away from @iheartckh flagship training in New Orleans. Want to attend? Ask me how to get leadership registered.
How are you building self-direction through clarity and accountability? Share your story and tag us!
This month, we’re focusing on self-direction, helping students understand expectations, make thoughtful choices and take ownership of their actions.
When we clearly communicate expectations and establish consistent systems for accountability, we give students the structure they need to take ownership of their learning and behavior.
Let’s make self-direction more than a character trait. Let’s create classrooms where students know what’s expected, understand their choices and take responsibility for their actions.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH
It’s not just about setting rules, it’s about creating a classroom where everyone has a part in building the culture. 💛
When students help shape the expectations, they’re more likely to see them as our commitments, not just classroom rules.
#CapturingKidsHearts#CKH #CKHSocialContract #StudentVoice #ClassroomCulture
When students have a voice in shaping their classroom, they’re more invested in the culture they create.
Give them a seat at the table and build your classroom culture together.
#CapturingKidsHearts#CKH#ClassroomCulture#CKHSocialContract
Give students a voice in shaping how your classroom feels. 💛
A CKH Social Contract creates a shared commitment to how we treat one another, helping build a classroom where every student feels respected, valued and connected.
#CapturingKidsHearts#CKH#CKHSocialContract
Have a CKH Social Contract in your classroom? We’d love to see it! Tag us or share a photo in the comments. 👇
CKH Social Contracts in your classrooms...
There’s no one-size-fits-all social contract. Each one reflects the unique voices, values and needs of the students and educators who created it.
Swipe through to see how educators are bringing their Social Contracts to life, and let these examples inspire your own classroom conversations.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH #CKHSocialContract #ClassroomCulture #StudentVoice #ConnectedClassrooms
Have you created yours yet? Share a picture or tell us how your class is putting its CKH Social Contract into action. We’d love to see how you’re building connection in your classroom! 💛
If you haven’t created a CKH Social Contract yet, make this the month you do!
Now that your classroom is finding its rhythm, it’s the perfect time to pause and make sure everyone knows what it means to learn, work and grow together.
A CKH Social Contract gives students a voice in defining the behaviors and expectations that help create a classroom where everyone feels respected, valued and ready to learn.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH #CKHSocialContract
Which challenge will you take on first? 👇
September is here, leaders. Let’s start the year by leading with heart.
This month, we’re challenging you to take four simple actions that can make a meaningful difference:
✨ Write 5 affirmations.
🤝 Be present. Engage.
🍽️ Mix up the table.
📸 Capture the good.
Small actions can create stronger connections, build a culture of encouragement and remind your people that they matter.
#CapturingKidsHearts #CKH