So beautiful! I think about attachment theory with this, especially when thinking about students. In Hold On to Your Kids, Gordon Neufeld explains how secure attachment to a teacher is the best prediction of how well a child will learn in a classroom. That connection calms their nervous systems and ensures that they’re actually interested in what the teacher has to offer.
How interesting. Thank you for sharing this perspective. I suppose it's the building of trust alongside the recognition of what makes each child an individual which supports this attachment in being a secure one. A really helpful addition to the exploration of this idea. ✨️
Love these! I had a head of school who never forgot a detail he had learned about any staff’s home life. I was amazed how he could remember my kids’ names in such a big school. So that piece that you put in the classroom category definitely impacts staff feeling like we matter too!
One thing I do—quietly—is keep a rota where I choose one child a day and make sure I spend a bit of extra, intentional time with them. Not because I’m not with the children all day (I’m a homeroom teacher, I’m constantly with them), but because that day I make a deliberate effort to really touch base with that child. Over time, it means I’ve genuinely connected with everyone.
The idea actually came from something completely unrelated: I use a randomized calendar to remind myself to buy flowers or small gifts for my wife. I described it to a friend as “organised romance.” Slightly unromantic in theory—but in practice, it really works.
What a wonderful idea - thank you for sharing. It is the intentionality which you have described here which will have such great impact. I think it is also really interesting that you identified that this idea came from real-life practices you have developed (your wife sounds like a very lucky lady!) Authenticity can be so key in developing many of the approaches we put in place in education.
This is everything Laura. The difference between feeling like you matter and when you don't I think can actually be life and death. It is absolutely crucial for well being for both pupils and staff. I loved all of your ideas and have tried a few of them which have worked quite well, especially the chocolate on a Friday! ❤️ Such a timely post. 👏
Oh, I am so glad that this glimmer resonated. The concept of ‘mattering’ certainly did for me! The book truly is a fab one for a future read to add to the list :)
So beautiful! I think about attachment theory with this, especially when thinking about students. In Hold On to Your Kids, Gordon Neufeld explains how secure attachment to a teacher is the best prediction of how well a child will learn in a classroom. That connection calms their nervous systems and ensures that they’re actually interested in what the teacher has to offer.
How interesting. Thank you for sharing this perspective. I suppose it's the building of trust alongside the recognition of what makes each child an individual which supports this attachment in being a secure one. A really helpful addition to the exploration of this idea. ✨️
Love these! I had a head of school who never forgot a detail he had learned about any staff’s home life. I was amazed how he could remember my kids’ names in such a big school. So that piece that you put in the classroom category definitely impacts staff feeling like we matter too!
Oh you’re so right. This remembering and recognition really does matter. :)
Love this! Absolutely spot on and definitely something to try and keep in mind day by day!
Thanks, Colin. So glad todays glimmer has prompted your day-to-day thinking :)
One thing I do—quietly—is keep a rota where I choose one child a day and make sure I spend a bit of extra, intentional time with them. Not because I’m not with the children all day (I’m a homeroom teacher, I’m constantly with them), but because that day I make a deliberate effort to really touch base with that child. Over time, it means I’ve genuinely connected with everyone.
The idea actually came from something completely unrelated: I use a randomized calendar to remind myself to buy flowers or small gifts for my wife. I described it to a friend as “organised romance.” Slightly unromantic in theory—but in practice, it really works.
What a wonderful idea - thank you for sharing. It is the intentionality which you have described here which will have such great impact. I think it is also really interesting that you identified that this idea came from real-life practices you have developed (your wife sounds like a very lucky lady!) Authenticity can be so key in developing many of the approaches we put in place in education.
This is everything Laura. The difference between feeling like you matter and when you don't I think can actually be life and death. It is absolutely crucial for well being for both pupils and staff. I loved all of your ideas and have tried a few of them which have worked quite well, especially the chocolate on a Friday! ❤️ Such a timely post. 👏
Oh, I am so glad that this glimmer resonated. The concept of ‘mattering’ certainly did for me! The book truly is a fab one for a future read to add to the list :)
Shared on LinkedIn too 😃