Episode 045: Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations in Classrooms with Jennifer Orr
10/08/24 • 24 min
Unlock the secrets of fostering engaging classroom conversations that can transform your teaching experience. Join us as we chat with Jennifer Orr, a seasoned elementary school teacher and author, whose insights are a game-changer for educators, especially those working with English language learners. Jennifer shares her incredible journey of spearheading an initiative that revolutionized student engagement in her school, offering practical tips on leveraging students' existing conversation skills and integrating spontaneous discussions. Her enthusiasm and tried-and-true methods will inspire you to bring more active listening and participation into your classroom.
We also tackle the pivotal role of inclusivity in classroom conversations. Learn how to build a trusting community where students feel safe to express themselves and engage in respectful dialogue about complex topics. Jennifer discusses daily morning meetings and low-risk discussions as gateways to deeper conversations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and active listening. Additionally, discover how thoughtful leadership and technology can enhance academic conversations, empowering both teachers and students. If you're looking to create a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life stories that you won't want to miss.
Jen's books:
- Demystifying Discussion: How to Teach and Assess Academic Conversation Skills, K-5
- We're Gonna Keep On Talking: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary Classroom
This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services: forward-thinking educator support.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Unlock the secrets of fostering engaging classroom conversations that can transform your teaching experience. Join us as we chat with Jennifer Orr, a seasoned elementary school teacher and author, whose insights are a game-changer for educators, especially those working with English language learners. Jennifer shares her incredible journey of spearheading an initiative that revolutionized student engagement in her school, offering practical tips on leveraging students' existing conversation skills and integrating spontaneous discussions. Her enthusiasm and tried-and-true methods will inspire you to bring more active listening and participation into your classroom.
We also tackle the pivotal role of inclusivity in classroom conversations. Learn how to build a trusting community where students feel safe to express themselves and engage in respectful dialogue about complex topics. Jennifer discusses daily morning meetings and low-risk discussions as gateways to deeper conversations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and active listening. Additionally, discover how thoughtful leadership and technology can enhance academic conversations, empowering both teachers and students. If you're looking to create a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life stories that you won't want to miss.
Jen's books:
- Demystifying Discussion: How to Teach and Assess Academic Conversation Skills, K-5
- We're Gonna Keep On Talking: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary Classroom
This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services: forward-thinking educator support.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Previous Episode
Episode 044: Effective Messaging with Chris Fenning
Unlock the secrets to effective communication and ensure your training sessions leave a lasting impact! Join us as we chat with Chris Fenning, the acclaimed business author and communication expert trusted by giants like Google and NATO. Discover how Chris turned his frustration with inefficient meetings into a fascinating journey of mastering communication. We dive into strategies from his seminal works, "The First Minute" and "39 Ways to Make Training Stick," revealing practical tips on reinforcing learning through repetition, feedback, and simplification. This episode is packed with actionable insights that relate to both corporate environments and educational settings, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their communication skills.
In a compelling discussion, we also explore the art of empathetic communication, especially during challenging conversations. Learn why understanding and self-awareness are crucial when delivering difficult news and how to engage in constructive dialogues by focusing on facts over emotions. Chris shares his wisdom on the "build it once, use many times" approach, offering smart ways to repurpose educational content for maximum efficiency. Tune in as Tammy, Christine, and Chris exchange invaluable tips on minimalist education, providing forward-thinking methods and professional learning services that support educators in creating impactful and streamlined teaching practices. Don't miss this episode if you're serious about transforming your communication and educational techniques!
Website: https://chrisfenning.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/Freebie: The First Minute Workbook - A practical tutorial with self-assessment and activities to help you improve the clarity of your communication at work. Based on the multi-award-winning book, The First Minute (https://chrisfenning.com/get-the-first-minute-workbook-free/)Book links:
- The First Minute: https://www.amazon.com/First-Minute-Start-Conversations-Results/dp/183824400X
- Effective Emails: https://www.amazon.com/Effective-Emails-Straightforward-Communication-Business/dp/1838244069
- 39 Ways to Make Training Stick: https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Make-Training-Stick-Development/dp/1916818013
This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services: forward-thinking educator support.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Next Episode
Episode 046: Thriving in Teaching: Resilience and Collaboration with Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee
Curious about the secrets behind teacher resilience in a rapidly changing educational landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee, seasoned educators with over 40 years of combined experience, as they share their invaluable insights from their book, "Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thriving During Times of Anxiety, Doubt, and Constant Change." Discover the nine essential habits that can help educators navigate burnout and fatigue, and learn practical strategies to clarify and adapt your purpose throughout your teaching career. Lindsay and Piper's observations from hundreds of instructional rounds offer a fresh perspective on maintaining well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.
In another compelling segment, we explore the transformative power of collaboration and prioritization in education. By leveraging positive psychology and data, we discuss how educators can cultivate resilience and hope, despite the overwhelming demands of the profession. Christine and I delve into the shift from a deficit mindset to one of support, and share actionable strategies to minimize cognitive load and stress. Wrapping up, we reflect on the profound rewards of teaching and the essential role of community and collaboration in overcoming educational challenges. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the joys and struggles of being an educator, complete with practical advice for thriving amidst constant change.
Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee have collectively been working in education for over four decades. Today, when not immersed in coaching district and school educators around powerful practices to elevate student learning, they can be found spending evening hours brainstorming and ideating ways to help teachers and leaders do their best work for students. Over the past nearly-three years, Piper and Lindsay conducted hundreds of hours of instructional rounds with educators of all levels and the book they will share today is not only the synthesis of these observations, but a message of hope for those remaining in the classroom.
As veteran educators themselves who now have the privilege to support districts and schools around the country through their work with NWEA and The Danielson Group, Piper and Lindsay are excited to share Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thriving During Times of Anxiety, Doubt, and Constant Change with educators everywhere and offer practical, proven, simple habits that may fuel educators' well-being and impact for many years to come.
Order the book:
https://us.corwin.com/books/habits-of-resilient-educators-285205
Discount code: CORWIN25
Book study sign up form: https://forms.gle/Mdf9MnuTZ1nCShYh7
This episode is sponsored by Plan Z Professional Learning Services.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast - Episode 045: Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations in Classrooms with Jennifer Orr
Transcript
Welcome to the Minimalist Educator Podcast , a podcast about paring down to refocus on the purpose and priorities in our roles with co-hosts and co-authors of the Minimalist Teacher Book , Tammy Musiewski-Borneman and Christine Arnold .
Speaker 2In this episode , jennifer speaks to us about the value of classroom conversations and gives us some valua
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