I recently attended a Non-Violent Communication workshop, hoping to add to my toolbox of skills that allow me to positively interact with 1000 kiddos each week! NVC–also called Compassionate Communication–teaches that every behavior is a result of a personal need. Find out what the need is, and you can adjust your communication to reflect that understanding. It’s difficult to remain upset or angry at a student for his or her behavior once you realize what the underlying need is that has informed that behavior.

It was a great reminder for me to take the time to meet each child where they are and to bring them along from there. Since the workshop I have noticed a marked improvement both in how I am interacting with the students and also how they are responding to me. The workshop’s information has provided just the spark I needed at this point in a very busy school year.

Periodic sparks are just what we all need to keep it fresh, real, and positive!