Changing the Way Students See Themselves

Get to know your students who are labeled as “challenging” or “difficult.” The Two-by-Ten strategy allows you to create a relationship with the student by connecting with them about topics that they are interested in outside of school. After you build rapport, build trust by approaching with curiosity and asking them about how they experience school. Ask them what makes them feel safe or heard. Use their ideas to help make others feel safe and heard. Find ways to create a new narrative for them by giving them leadership roles and enlisting them in shaping the culture of the classroom.

Who are the students that have been labeled as “defiant,” “challenging,” or “difficult”?

What’s their story? How might you understand their experiences as a human and as a student?

What happened when you approached a student with curiosity? What did you learn?

What are ways you might show students a new picture of themselves?

Read Chapter 6 from How to Talk so Kids Can Learn about how to free a child who is locked in a role. Try some of the suggested strategies and notice how they work for each student.