The Structure of This Book

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Reproducibles are in italics.

About the Authors xi Preface: Our Journeys to Blended Education xiii

Stephanie’s Background: Education Is a Journey Together xiii Kathryn’s Background: Education Is a Public Health Profession xv A Note About Methodology xvii

Introduction: People-Centered Approaches to Teaching 1 We Open With Heart 3 Connection With Intention 4 People-Centered Practices 5 The Structure of This Book 6 Classroom Habits of Reflective Practitioners 11

PART I: REIMAGINING THE ONLINE CLASSROOM 13

1Reimagining School as a Community Project 15 Adaptation to Online Instruction 16 Strategies for Establishing a Safe, Nurturing, and Trusting Virtual Classroom 19 Strategies for Connecting Language and Community 23 Strategies for Creating Community Through Extracurricular Opportunities 28 Strategies for Building a Positive Classroom Culture in Blended and Online Settings 32 Key Classroom Takeaway: The World Is Small and Deeply Connected 35 Summary 36 Chapter 1: Apply It to Your Practice 38

2Cultivating Strengths-Based Approaches for Inclusion, Support, and Counseling 43

Lived-Experience Case Studies 46 Strategies for Building a Support System in Online and Blended Models 51 Strategies for Individual Planning 58 Strategies for Affirming Identities 62 Strategies for Adult Learning 65 Strategies for Taking a People-Centered Approach to Student Support 68 Key Classroom Takeaway: Practice Radical Hope One Conversation at a Time 70 Summary 70 Chapter 2: Apply It to Your Practice 72

3Fostering Relationships Through Connection-Based Feedback 75 Feedback as a Conversation 76 Strategies for Connecting Daily With Students 79 Strategies for Connecting Through Feedback 81 Strategies for Cultivating Connection 86 Strategies for Using the Four-Step Feedback Process 90 Key Classroom Takeaway: All Teaching Is a Conversation 99 Summary 99 Chapter 3: Apply It to Your Practice 101

PART II: ENSURING EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE ONLINE CLASSROOM 103

4Centering Student Stories 105 Connection Built Through Stories 107 Strategies for Cultivating Empathy in Your Classroom 112 Strategies for Encouraging Connection Through Music and Poetry 116 Strategies for Supporting Gender Inclusivity in the Blended Classroom 118 Strategies for Making Global Connections 121 Key Classroom Takeaway: Story Sharing Makes Space for Empathy and Connection 122 Summary 123 Chapter 4: Apply It to Your Practice 124

5Honoring Multilingual and Multicultural Learners 127 Teaching in a Multilingual and Multicultural World 129 Strategies for Celebrating Home Language in Your Classroom 131 Strategies for Honoring Student Voice and Home Language in the Online Elementary Classroom 134 Strategies for Learning With Multilingual and Multicultural Students in Online Settings 141 Strategies for Building Culturally Responsive, Self-Paced E-Learning 144 Key Classroom Takeaway: Celebrate Linguistic Diversity 147 Summary 148 Chapter 5: Apply It to Your Practice 150

6Leveraging Opportunities for Gifted and Talented Students 153 Three Barriers to Learning for Gifted Students 154 Talent Development 156 Giftedness 157 Differentiation 158 Strategies for Bringing Coaching and Connection to the Online and Blended Classroom 161 Strategies for Engaging Learners Beyond Content Areas 166 Key Classroom Takeaway: Employ Wholehearted Teaching for Neurodiverse Classrooms 168

Summary 169 Chapter 6: Apply It to Your Practice 171 Conclusion 173 Kathryn’s Takeaways 173 Stephanie’s Takeaways 176 We Close With Heart 179

Appendix: Focus Group Transcript 183 Glossary 193 References and Resources 201

Index 209

© 2022 by Solution Tree Press

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, PhD, began her teaching career as a special education teacher for a public K–8 school in Oakland, California. Since then, she has taught and led programs in special education, gifted education, English language arts, and teacher preparation. She currently serves as the executive director of Mizzou Academy. Kathryn supports the University of Missouri’s teacher education program by coordinating required courses on culturally competent and community-engaged teaching practices. Prior to her appointment as executive director, she served for five years as the director of academic affairs and engagement for Mizzou Academy during a period of rapid international growth.

Kathryn has lectured and led professional development sessions around the world. She is the author of three additional books in education: Wholehearted Teaching of Gifted Young Women, When Your Child Learns Differently, and Brain-Based Learning With Gifted Students. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and been referenced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in special education from San Francisco State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri.

To learn more about Kathryn’s work, visit her website Wholehearted School Leadership (wholeheartedschoolleadership.com), or follow @KFishmanweaver on Twitter.