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I’m constantly reading, and often, I come across a quote, a piece of research, or a simple sentence that propels me to dive deeper into an idea. That’s how I became passionate about Restorative Practices in schools and Classroom Circles. In this week’s edition of “It’s Almost Friday,” I explore a concept that I've heard many times over the past few years, student voice in education.

While flying a few months ago, I came across a concerning piece of research shared in the book Student Voice: The Instrument of Change by Russell J. Quaglia and Michael J. Corso. They share data from a survey of 56,877 6th-12th grade students that stated:

“While a clear majority of students (61%) believe they have a voice upon entering middle school, one third (37%) say they do by twelfth grade.”

I’ve always felt that student voices become more amplified when they trust the classroom environment authentically. This trust takes time, but you can employ quick strategies to build that trust, leading to stronger connections and a welcoming classroom, key elements for engagement in learning and working together. All of the strategies below can be supported by using the First Five classroom routines.

Start Strong with an “At The Door” Routine
Starting strong with a consistent routine and greeting students at the door offers a powerful opportunity to connect with each student individually. As they step into your classroom, you’re setting the tone for positivity and creating a moment for them to feel seen and welcomed. The daily "At the Door" ideas provide quick and easy ways to build these connections. While secondary students may not always show enthusiasm, consistency is key. Research shows that teachers who greet students at the door experience higher levels of student engagement and fewer disruptions. Keep at it, it makes a difference!

Foster Connection Through Questions and Quick Connects
Asking students questions and using quick connects from the First Five provide simple yet impactful opportunities for students to learn more about each other. By regularly asking a single question, you create space for trust and respect to grow in your classroom community. Building trust takes time, and it starts with understanding who each person is, what they share in common, what makes them unique, and what brings them joy. These connections lead to deeper respect and cooperation, creating a classroom where everyone can excel.

Check-in to Build Safety and Understanding
Checking in with students is a vital way to strengthen emotional intelligence and create a supportive classroom environment. By regularly taking time to see how everyone is doing, you gain valuable insight into the class’s mood and individual needs before the lesson begins. The daily Check-In section provides fresh ideas to keep things engaging. It’s just as important to share where we are during Check-Ins as this can show students that it’s okay to be open. Consistent check-ins help students feel more supported and offer early indicators when someone might need extra attention. This can reduce conflicts and help address issues before they escalate.

Incorporate Student Interests into Your Curriculum and Planning
Incorporating student interests into your curriculum can transform the learning experience. By committing to daily routines, like using the First Five, you gain valuable insights into what excites and motivates your students. I often used what I learned about my students’ interests to bring those elements into my lessons. Tools like AI can also help you integrate student passions into key concepts. When learning becomes more relevant by tapping into student interests, engagement increases, and students are more eager to explore their talents, curiosities, and ideas.

Invite Student Feedback to Elevate Classroom Experiences
Inviting student feedback is a powerful way to elevate your classroom experience. Once trust and respect are established, asking students what’s working and what isn’t can provide incredible insights. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, you might discover creative ideas to make your classroom more dynamic and engaging. This takes student voice to the next level. When students feel comfortable sharing how they learn best and even what they want to learn, their excitement grows, and buy-in to the learning process increases significantly.

By applying these strategies, you can help amplify student voice, build trust, and create a more engaging and positive learning environment. All of these can be integrated using the daily practices in the First Five, helping your classroom become a place where students thrive.

-John Whalen, Co-founder of Edtomorrow

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