Table of Contents
1. Teaching Is Heart Work
The Flourishing Teacher
The Empathetic Teacher
The Playful Teacher
The Flexible Teacher
The Reflective Teacher
Conclusion: Glad We Got That All Figured Out
Interviews with Experts: Jessica Lifshitz, Sara Ahmed, Chad Everett
2. The Physical Environment
Big Idea: Setting Up Your Classroom: Start with a Blank Canvas Not a Finished Masterpiece
Big Idea: Let Your Space Reflect Your Students
Conclusion: Take Time to Reflect on Your Classroom and Your Beliefs
Interview with an Expert: Julie Denberg
3. The Emotional Environment
Big Idea: Scheduling for Success
Big Idea: Build a Community Don’t Just Manage One
Big Idea: Social Skills Can Be Taught
Big Idea: Supporting Every Child
Conclusion: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day; Kids Won’t Learn Everything
About Your Community Overnight
Interview with an Expert: Allyson Black-Foley
4. Building Curriculum
Big Idea: Curriculum Should Be Responsive and Intentional
Big Idea: Build a Better Teaching Toolbox: Clear Teaching Structures Drive Complex Learning
Big Idea: Responsive Teachers Draw from All They Know
Conclusion: Assume Success Is Possible When the Factors Are Right
Interviews with Experts: Annie Dunn, Yvonne Yiu, Kate Roberts and Maggie Beattie Roberts
Appendixes:
Tips for Family Interaction
Annotated First-Day Letter
Annotated Letter About Mindset
Room Planning Guide
Quick Guide to Teaching Social Skills
Quick Guide to Challenging Behaviors
Checklist Template
Conference Notes Form
Conferring and Small-Group Planning Grid