The Emotionally Connected Classroom is a must-read for teachers and administrators interested in truly reaching all students in today's classrooms. It addresses the very basic need students face to feel connected and belong so that learning can happen. In an ambitious way, it outlines some of the very real challenges of working alongside students who have difficult lives and gives practical strategies and a framework to do exactly this.
Starting with a belief that all students can and want to learn and belong, using the six Ps of People, Purpose, Play, Passion, Present Thinking, and Personal Challenge and Learning, Bill Adair guides teachers through making intentional connections. Emotions are not to be feared or avoided but rather embraced and understood from knowing the learner. There are so many pearls of wisdom in this very readable book, and it is enlivened with students' stories that illustrate the principles. I highly recommend it!!
-- Dr. Jean Clinton, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is at the forefront of many educational and policy conversations. Bill Adair has created a comprehensive, practical, and useful go-to guide that busy educators can use for each initiative they are tackling. The Emotionally Connected Classroom
is a powerful anchor text for teachers' on-going work and deepening understanding of the importance of SEL.
-- Abbey Duggins, PhD, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
All teachers have experienced the frustration of trying to teach disconnected children. Bill Adair shows how powerful helping children learn to connect, feel a sense of belonging, and feel a sense of purpose can be in changing lives for the better. -- Kathy Rhodes, Principal
The Emotionally Connected Classroom
tackles some critical issues that teachers need to address when dealing with today's students. -- Dr. Scott Mandel, Teacher, Author, and Staff Development Leader
The Emotionally Connected Classroom
is engaging and easy to read. The author has written about topics that are relevant to issues in education and he does a great job connecting theory to current events. This book will give educators who don't have mental health training the confidence and tools to work with struggling students. -- Leslie Goines, School Counselor
The Emotionally Connected Classroom
is important and relevant in today's school climate. Bill Adair promises and delivers on providing a book that makes connections between what happens in schools and healing of students who have experienced trauma. -- Bonnie Tryon, Ed.D, Mentor and Coach
Learning to connect isn't easy, but it is the key in education. The Emotionally Connected Classroom
intertwines and describes many life connections teachers and students share. This book needs to be available in all schools so that every teacher can experience the freedom in knowing there is hope for students who may seem hopeless. -- Michelle Strom, Language Arts Teacher and Mentor
