Facilitators: James Manzano, Allison Kao

*Times are Listed in EST

Early Bird deadline: July 22, 2024

One of the most critical things we can do is create spaces where our students are seen, heard, and understood as their full selves.  Join us to explore how we begin and continue the school year in ways that build connections and spaces of belonging with our students beyond academic learning. Explore ways to make space for vulnerability, and create shared experiences. Extending our resource “Beyond Ice Breakers to Community Building” we will explain how, unlike "ice breakers", community builders allow for a deeper sense of connection and honoring all perspectives. Educators will experience live modeling and reflect on ways to plan for stronger human connections in the classroom. This session will expand on the importance of setting group norms and making them relevant. Educators will leave with a deeper understanding of community building activities with students, and actionable steps to implement community building ideas and practices in their own schools and classrooms.