Esmè van Deventer’s Post

I had the MOST incredible weekend! This weekend was the launch of the Uplifted Education Summit! For this inaugural session Denisha Jones joined Kylie Elizabeth, M.A.Ed. and I to discuss the how Play can be used as a powerful tool for social justice, community, and liberation. Some key ideas we addressed are: ⭐ Play is an essential component of education and can be incorporated at all levels, from early childhood to adulthood. ⭐ Play is intrinsically motivated, flexible, and inclusive, allowing for individual exploration and creativity. ⭐ Incorporating play in educational settings enhances cognitive abilities, communication skills, and emotional expression. ⭐ Challenges in implementing play-based approaches include fear of losing control and the need for open-ended materials and autonomy in learning. Establishing classroom management routines is crucial before implementing free play. ⭐ Play can help build relationships and a sense of belonging among students. ⭐ Open-ended play, guided play, and games all have their place in the classroom. ⭐ Play has the power to transform education and foster student development. ⭐ Play is essential for building trust, fostering a sense of belonging, and developing strong relationships. ⭐ Incorporating play into daily living activities can promote inclusivity and address harmful stereotypes. ⭐ Educators should understand the community and the generation they are teaching and incorporate their language and interests into the curriculum. ⭐ Play liberates both teachers and students, promoting joy, engagement, and agency. ⭐ Communicating with parents and administrators about the value of play and its impact on critical thinking skills is crucial. Not only did we share current research and data trends, each of us shared valuable insights from our own experience in the classroom. I am so proud this Summit already and I can't wait for the next session. Speaking of, we'll be joined by Tunette Powell, PhD next Saturday, July 6th at 10:00 AM PST for Freedom Dreaming: Redefining Education for Collective Liberation. You won't want to miss this! #UpliftedEducationSummit #PlayfulLearning #JoyfulTeaching #ParentEngagement #EducationReform #EducationForAll

Ever wondered how to create a strong partnership with your child’s teachers? 🤔 Managing parent-teacher relationships is key to your child’s academic success. Here’s how you can build effective partnerships with educators: 1. Open Lines of Communication: Regular and transparent communication with your child’s teachers is essential. Attend parent-teacher meetings, utilize emails, or use school apps to stay updated on your child’s progress and any concerns that may arise. This helps create a shared understanding and collaboration. 📞✉️ 2. Be Involved in School Activities: Participate in school events, volunteer in classrooms, or join parent committees. Your involvement shows teachers that you’re invested in your child’s education and fosters a cooperative atmosphere. 👩🏫🎒 3. Set Clear Expectations: Discuss your child’s academic goals and any specific needs with their teachers. Setting clear expectations ensures that both you and the educators are on the same page regarding your child’s education, helping to align efforts effectively. 🎯📚 If you want to gain more practical insights, register for our Masterclass: https://hi.switchy.io/JkE2 📚🎓 4. Respect and Trust the Teacher’s Expertise: Teachers are professionals with valuable insights into your child’s academic and social development. Show respect for their expertise and collaborate with them to support your child’s learning journey. This mutual trust strengthens the parent-teacher relationship. 🏫🤝 5. Address Issues Constructively: If concerns arise, approach them calmly and constructively. Work with teachers to find solutions rather than placing blame. A problem-solving attitude leads to better outcomes for your child and preserves the positive relationship with educators. 🧠💡 6. Celebrate Achievements Together: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s successes with their teachers. Positive reinforcement from both home and school motivates your child and reinforces the partnership between you and the educators. 🎉🏆 By building strong parent-teacher relationships, you’re setting the stage for your child’s academic and personal growth. 🌟📚 #abkidslifecoach #happyparentshub #ParentTeacherPartnership #SchoolSuccess #EducationalSupport #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #CollaborativeParenting #EffectiveCommunication

In the dynamic landscape of education, the concept of a "living school" transcends the traditional metrics of excellence, emphasizing instead the essence of consistency. While many schools strive to be the best, it is the consistent ones that truly breathe life into the educational journey. 🌳Consistency Breeds Stability A living school is characterized by its unwavering commitment to providing a stable and reliable learning environment. Through consistent teaching methodologies, curriculum updates, and a steadfast commitment to student well-being, these schools become pillars of stability in the ever-evolving world of education. 🎍Nurturing Lifelong Learning A living school fosters a culture of continuous learning, not just for students but for educators as well. By consistently adapting to advancements in pedagogy and incorporating innovative teaching methods, these schools empower students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing society. 🌲Cultivating Character and Values Consistency in instilling values and building character is a hallmark of a living school. Beyond academic achievements, these institutions prioritize the holistic development of students, fostering qualities such as integrity, empathy, and resilience through unwavering commitment to ethical education. 🌾Community Engagement as a Cornerstone A living school extends its impact beyond the classroom, consistently engaging with the community. Whether through outreach programs, collaborative projects, or partnerships with local businesses, these schools actively contribute to the social fabric, enriching the lives of students and community members alike. 🪴Adaptability as a Constant Paradoxically, the consistency of a living school lies in its adaptability. Recognizing the need to evolve with the times, these institutions are not afraid to embrace change. Whether integrating technology into classrooms or revamping curriculum structures, the consistent pursuit of improvement keeps these schools alive and relevant. 🌿A Tapestry of Inclusivity Inclusivity is woven into the fabric of a living school, consistently fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. Through inclusive practices, these schools empower students to embrace differences, preparing them for a world that thrives on collaboration and understanding. 🧩The Heartbeat of Education🏫 In the realm of education, the pulse of a living school beats with consistency. While the quest for being the best may be ephemeral, the enduring nature of a consistent educational approach ensures that every student, regardless of background, finds a nurturing and stable environment to grow and thrive. #LivingSchool #ConsistentEducation #StabilityInLearning #HolisticDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #AdaptiveLearning #InclusiveEducation

In the midst of electioneering madness here in New Zealand, we'd love to share some of the amazing work our schools are doing to support the learning and development of their students. These are schools that understand that learning is not an either foundational skills OR holistic learning approach....but rather it is an AND/AND approach. Children need support to learn BOTH foundational skills, as well as deep, meaningful and rich experiences that foster strong socio-emotional skills and dispositions. This AND/AND approach does not diminish the value of foundational skills (literacy and numeracy) NOR the value of holistic skill development. It instead recognises the complexity of child development and meets it head on. At Longworth Education, we highlight the hard work many schools are engaged in to implement this AND/AND approach successfully via our case studies. Here's the first of these - St Patricks School in Napier, New Zealand have implemented play pedagogy from their 5 year olds to their 12 year olds with exciting outcomes. To walk around the school is to hear children learning inside and out, moving and engaged, excited to be at school. Learn more here:

EARLY YEARS IS SERIOUS HOTCAKE What do you look out for when searching for a good school? The school's ambience? The school's uniform? Your child's potential class teacher? Their inclusion practices? Their early years section? What? Months ago I had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion where we spoke about how educators need to collaborate to ensure that learning challenges are detected early enough, and support is provided. We all agreed that early years practitioners are key to this. And if there's one early years teacher I admire a lot, it is Stephanie Nnadi. That woman knows how to teach children. She expresses herself so much with her pupils to the extent that learning is so much fun. What about the way she liaises with parents of her pupils? Exceptional! Follow her, she's a go to person. Now having a teacher as such for children in early years means that children with additional needs will not fall through the cracks. Challenges won't go undetected. This also means that you will be informed about your child's learning challenges early enough and steps to take would be recommended. Which is why whenever I am invited to conduct a needs assessment for a school that requires a learning support program, my prerequisite question surrounds the capacity of their early years section. This is because the effectiveness of the early years section is directly proportional to the early detection of learning challenges. Early detection means early intervention! Strengthen your early years section, and build the capacity of your early years teachers. It is very crucial. I hope this helps. To your success and that of your students, #thelearningmentor *** #lettertoeducators #educationmatters #specialeducation #inclusiveeducation #school #disabilityinclusion #EIE #diversityandinclusion #classroom #schoolmanagement #learningsupport #learning #learninganalytics #advisory #SDG4 #sdgs2030 #educationforall #TheLSSummit 📸 That is Stephanie Nnadi. If your children are dramatic, they will meet their match. 🤣

#CHILDREN #EDUCATION #USA Education for children in the United States is a multifaceted system designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The structure typically includes elementary, middle, and high school levels, with optional pre-school and kindergarten programs. The primary goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future endeavors. Starting with early childhood education, pre-school and kindergarten lay the foundation for cognitive and social development. These years focus on basic skills, social interaction, and fostering a love for learning. As students progress to elementary school, they delve into subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies, building a solid academic base. Middle school bridges the gap between elementary and high school, offering a more diverse curriculum. Students explore various subjects, allowing them to discover their interests and strengths. High school marks a crucial stage, with students taking more specialized classes, preparing for college or entering the workforce. The high school experience often includes extracurricular activities, community service, and the development of critical thinking skills. The U.S. education system emphasizes standardized testing to assess student proficiency, helping educators tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Moreover, there is a strong focus on extracurricular activities, promoting teamwork, leadership, and a well-rounded education. Parents play a vital role in their child's education, participating in parent-teacher conferences and staying involved in school activities. Additionally, education policies may vary between states, contributing to a diverse educational landscape. In recent years, technology integration has become increasingly prevalent in American classrooms. Schools adopt digital tools and online resources to enhance learning experiences, preparing students for the technology-driven world. In conclusion, the education system in the United States strives to provide a comprehensive and adaptable learning environment. By fostering a passion for learning and incorporating diverse teaching methods, the system aims to prepare children for success in their academic and personal lives.

In the recent article "Students Speak Out: How to Make High Schools Places Where They Want to Learn," high school students shared what makes their learning environments engaging and enjoyable: bonding activities, personalized connections, student feedback, and hands-on experiences. At Breakthrough, we embrace many of these same practices to create vibrant, inspiring learning spaces. Our 25 affiliates cultivate learning experiences that enhance confidence building and belonging. We prioritize relationship building between our Teaching Fellows and students, and our hands-on learning approach makes academic subjects relevant and engaging. Together, we are creating a movement of college-ready students, aspiring educators, and education advocates ready to drive positive change. https://ow.ly/ZGOQ50SJpWi #EducationalEquity #StudentEngagement #FutureLeaders #HighSchoolReimagined #BreakthroughTogether

As educators, we are continuously developing strategies to foster environments where students can engage in respectful and constructive discussions, especially on contentious topics. With election season ramping up and global issues taking center stage, the need for these skills is more pressing than ever. However, the classroom is just a starting point. The challenge extends beyond school walls. It's crucial for parents to model the behavior we expect from our students. In an era where social media often showcases less-than-ideal interactions, leading by example could have a significant impact. Encouraging thoughtful discourse at home and demonstrating respect in our online and offline interactions can reinforce the values we teach our students. https://lnkd.in/ebHBT_fb

If you've been involved in education for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard people talk about making a difference. "Teachers should strive to make a difference." "The best educators change lives." "Teaching is about making an impact." Those are true, but there’s more to it. There’s a deeper, more impactful way to truly understand the essence of teaching. And we'll prove it with a story: Meet Rhonda McCarthy, a dedicated teacher with a passion for helping students in need. One particular student will always stay with her. This boy had incarcerated parents and was being raised by his grandparents. He struggled with disruptive behaviors, feeling lost and unsupported. Rhonda decided to spend time with him, having lunch together once or twice a week to build a connection. Over time, she saw real progress. He began making gains both academically and emotionally. At the end of the school year, this usually reserved boy came to her class, tears in his eyes, to say goodbye. He wasn’t one for showing emotions, but on this day, he looked at her and said, "Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy. No one has ever cared before." On that day, Rhonda knew she had made a difference. Want to know the absolute craziest part of this story? Every time it’s shared, it resonates deeply with those who understand the profound impact a caring teacher can have. This wasn’t a special circumstance, an anomaly, or a lucky response. This is the heart of teaching. This is the culture of caring. This is how Rhonda treated her students—with dignity, empathy, love, and care. And it’s how every educator should approach their role. You see… You don’t just make a difference. You become the difference. We are thrilled to share that our CEO, Diana Heldfond, and Parallel was recently featured in Florida Today , highlighting our mission to support educators like Rhonda and students in need. A big thank you to Finch Walker for shedding light on these critical issues. At Parallel, we are committed to making a difference for students everywhere. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ex6Qvvfg If your school team is feeling overwhelmed or understaffed, Parallel is here to be a resource. Learn more by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/euXxTBPD