Episode 31: New Student? New Opportunity.
15m
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Two Teachers Podcast
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On this week's episode, we converse on some equitable ways to welcome a student into your classroom especially in the middle of the year. The statistics on student mobility are just as shocking as the experiences that are causing students to move; some necessary, some unfortunate. We will share some easy strategies to help that student become a learner among your learners. Student mobility is a far too common struggle for many students. Statistics in some cities of the Midwest have 25%-30% elementary students moving at least once a year. Most states do not have accurate tracking statistics, but as Luke points out, knowing how many is not as important as knowing that a particular student has moved. Reasons for moving could be described as unfortunate, necessary, warranted, etc. Some of those "moves" are structural moves. This means that they may even becoming "new" to you from a neighboring school, another hour in the building or somewhere within your district. It doesn't matter why they move, when that student joins your class there are so many things you can do to make that a positive experience for that child. "New Student" Mindset Step one is to be a positive leader of the "new student" mindset. We know, as many do, how difficult it can be to receive a student in the middle of the year. Obviously it pales in comparison to their possible "hidden story." So once we do our private grumble about adding another kid to our classroom that is already overflowing, we have to turn that mindset around. We need to be the beacon of positive for all those that that student will meet to ensure they feel welcomed. We need to be the leaders of perspective and it cannot be just "another kid." The dynamic of adding a student to your class changes depending on the age of your students. Middle school students can tend to be apathetic with a little curiosity where as elementary kids are excited about a new addition. Much like my boys coming home to me after school to announce in utter excitement that a new student is joining class tomorrow. Our age group does not exhibit this same enthusiasm. We accredit this to the disruption to the friend groups and social hierarchy that a new or even returning student might cause. Success is typically achieved in the transition of the new student but this makes our role even more valuable in facilitating this process. Preparing the New Student To prepare our new student it could be as simple as reaching out to the parent or student beforehand to assist in the transition. We like the strategy of training a mentor or buddy. If you know the new student a bit, you can pair them with someone of similar interest. If not, think of the many positive role models and assign them to this role of being a mentor. You may even be setting the new student up with a positive friend relationship. Another quality idea is to simply announce the arrival of a new student. This allows the opportunity to prep the rest of the students. We take this opportunity to use one of the TwoTeachers "go to" words of EMPATHY (See Episode 6). We talk about the feelings of arriving to a new place and potentially not knowing anyone. This is also the opportunity to let the students know where the new student is sitting. This gets you off the hook when that new student shows up and despite your best intentions in the hustle of the day you had forgotten they were coming. Your students, then, take the lead to help the student find their place. Ready for the New Student What is at their desk? That depends on the grade level of the students. We recommend at least having basic supplies for the student. They don't need to use it or take it, but now they are automatically prepared. This might be only a pencil and a notebook. In elementary, where the desk might be a more permanent spot for the day, this might be a box of crayons along with a pen or pencil and other supplies. How do you welcome them as a class?
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