Laura D.

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES Q3-Yes. I gained a lot of insight into how to better understand and teach my students, and hopefully make a difference in not only their learning but their lives. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A2-I hope you see that you too have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of your students. I hope you see that who you are, right now, is enough-enough to change a life, enough to give someone hope, and enough to give someone help. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES @ManuelScott A1-Acceptance of who they are and the "issues" they bring to school. The impact of the little things that help build relationships. Being open to learning from them and utilizing relationships to best teach each student. It is never one size fits all! #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A3-I think free writing is very important. It is key to building creativity and using imaginations. Students struggle with “using their imaginations”. I think this is in part due to overuse of technology & lack of time just playing and being creative with peers.#TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A2- We study a lot of people in 1st. Brainpop jr has a lot of good biographies on different people, and there are lots of children’s books too. We also write autobiographies. The students enjoy writing and sharing about themselves and creating a self portrait too! #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES @ManuelScott A1- The mayor, police officers, high school students who play an active role in their schools (student government, etc), UGA athletes, local professionals, members of local theaters #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A3 Give them the chance to shine- no matter how small. Find something good to notice about these students. Give opportunities to work together. It may give them an opportunity to shine and let them see they are not alone in their insecurities. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A2Their “world” is their reference point & sometimes it can be quite bleak. I think buddying up with an older grade &or high school age mentors that are “like” them but have succeeded despite their references could provide great exposure to what is possible for them.#TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES @ManuelScott A1-Field trips, guest speakers, high school students, and programs from the community would be great ways to provide exposure for our students. TRTV would be a good place to do a “weekly spotlight” of someone. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES @ManuelScott A3-The gap between where they are and where we want them to be is the bridge we must cross. Beyond just academically teaching them, we have to sometimes help them change they way they think & feel about school & learning & themselves in order to cross that bridge.#TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A2- Make connections to the real world and things that are relevant to them. Knowing what interests them and what they may connect with or identify with. Always keep things "on their level". #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A1-Being kind, being respectful, and being organized. You can teach these skills by example, by modeling, by practicing daily in morning meeting and interactions in the classroom, and by having a classroom that is a kind, respectful and organized environment. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES I think media influences are and will only become more of a factor of culture for our students. They are so entrenched in and influenced by media/technology. It is a huge part of the culture of their generation. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES If you cannot teach in such a way that is relevant to a student’s cultural understanding you will not connect with them. It is so important to try and gain a cultural understanding of your students so you can connect with them and they can learn from you. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES I like what Manny said-You can communicate a whole lot by what you do not say or do. I think it is so important to always try to be sensitive to their backgrounds, influences, etc and project that sensitivity in what you do and don't say to them.#TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A1-Yes unfortunately I think it can for some. I think teachers rely too much on what we "think we know" about our students rather than really getting to know who they are. #TRESbesthope

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@CasparyaC @AimeeTRES Your reply reminds me of many students we've had! You sometimes do have to look hard for the positive- but find it and focus on it no matter how small. And yes some may not show ANY kindness to us at first, but we must always be consistent with our kindness and love to them!

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@TiffanyMTRES @AimeeTRES I agree that starting on a positive note from the very beginning is so important. How you do things and deal with things at the beginning of the year can set the tone for that student for the whole year!

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@bettedunc @AimeeTRES I wish we did more home visits like we used to. Connecting with the parents and letting them see we care can really influence theirs and their student's attitudes towards school!

[Laura D. @LauraDavisla]

@AimeeTRES A4- In my class I have both individualistic and collectivistic motivations & rewards. That way on a daily basis they can feel comfortable & feel success/encouragement/praise as an individual, and see the value of working together as a collective group. #tresbesthope