Читать книгу Social-Emotional Learning and the Brain - Marilee Sprenger B. - Страница 38

Advisory class meetings are another way to build relationships, and they're great for all grade levels. Usually scheduled at the beginning of the day, advisory groups at the middle-grade levels then travel together to their classes. The brain loves ritual, and this daily get-together allows students to share their feelings, listen respectfully (an ability that is a characteristic of self-control), and comment in positive ways. Students who are coming from chaotic homes and those who have experienced trauma may find that this is a special place to belong. They have a group in which they can share information with a caring adult who is overseeing the dialogue that takes place. Advisories can have a calming effect and prepare students emotionally for the academic day.

At the high school level, many of the purposes of advisories are the same, but the schedule of the day is, of course, different. Advisory purposes can be academic, motivational, relational, to plan a learning pathway, to discuss post–high school plans, or simply to help students feel included and accepted. This may be a time for students to share thoughts and concerns or perhaps compliments. Everyday advisories are ideal, but scheduling them for twice a week will work, too. Here are some ideas for how to fit an advisory meeting into the day:

 Use homeroom time.

 Find time during the lunch period (see "Form a Lunch Bunch").

 Choose a time normally used for classroom routines.

 Schedule time as necessary. (If my homeroom time wasn't enough, we met at lunchtime, too.)