Why Every Child Needs A Champion, Rita Pierson.
Why Every Child Needs A Champion – this has to be one of the most impactful TED talks I’ve watched. Rita Pierson discusses what it is to make those vital connections with children. Following on from “Find your Why”, how do we create connections throughout the whole school community so we are a champion for all? Rita is so inspiring and this really strikes a chord with what Lockey Education is all about.
The first steps in teacher training
I often talk with students in the early days of their training about the importance of connecting authentically and genuinely with the children they teach. Taking the time to find out the story behind each child produces connections which absolutely enable learning to take place and break down barriers. I recently had a wonderful cohort of students who understood the value of making connections and actively sought advice and strategies to enable every child to succeed. It was a genuine pleasure seeing them develop week after week understanding what it meant to champion education for every child. Here are some of the strategies they used:
- Actively engaging in conversations with children during playtime to learn about each and every child. What their hobbies were, to share success or lend a listening ear to address worries.
- Talk to each child openly about their learning. Allowing them to share how they learn best and what will enable them to be more successful in the learning process.
- Actively using growth mindset and challenge to inspire children to gain confidence and work outside of their comfort zone.
- Use positive praise, where warranted, and highlight exactly why that praise has been given.
- Forging excellent relationships with parents.
- Talking with other members of staff so a ‘whole’ picture of the child can be achieved.
Senior leaders
This isn’t just important with the relationship between teachers and children. Children grow to be adults who are also looking for that connection.
When coaching senior leaders recently, I have discussed this many times. Do you really know your staff? Is your approach towards forging relationships within the school community genuine and authentic? When leading a group of teachers within a school, I believe they are still looking for that connection. Aren’t we all looking for connection on some level?
Knowing that leaders understand their staff, and what inspires them to be the best they can be for the children they teach, is imperative for a strong team and growth mindset culture. At times, we can assume that adults don’t need that level of connection but I would argue that they need it now more than ever. To be seen, acknowledged, praised, supported, valued and treated with respect. How are we achieving this in schools? Here are some strategies which we have discussed in coaching sessions recently:
- Instructional coaching.
- Making time to get to know people we manage, especially in large teams.
- Identifying strengths within individuals and allowing them to become experts.
- Actively listening. In a busy environment, this is probably the hardest thing to do. Actually sit still and fully engage in what a person is saying and genuinely listen without judgement.
- Trusting people. The feeling of empowerment when you know someone trusts you is priceless.
Why Every Child Needs A Champion – What is your mantra?
Within her TED talk, Rita adopted a mantra for her class to instil a sense of worthiness and passion for education within her children.
‘I am powerful. I am strong. I deserve the education I get here. I have things to do, people to impress and places to go.’ (Pierson, 2013)
What would your mantra be for your children? What would your mantra be for your staff?
Be a champion!
I’ll leave you with this quote which encapsulates the essence of what I want for educators and children alike.
‘Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.’ (Pierson,2013)
#Be the best you can be for the children you teach.
Pierson R, (2013) Why Every Child Needs A Champion Sources, online video, Facebook, viewed 23 March 2023 https://fb.watch/jw77ffzDnm/
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