Sticky Hope

Sometimes it is difficult for students to know how to get along with one another. They can exclude each other or be unkind. Sometimes a student makes a mistake and it's difficult to know how to forgive them and still be friends with them. We share two wordless picture books that will help navigate how to respond to these situations. Takeaways Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for teaching empathy. Books like I Walk With Vanessa and I Forgive Alex help students understand social dynamics. Narrating social situations allows students to reflect on their own experiences. Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a supportive classroom environment. Teachers can use these books to address real-life problems students face. Students can learn to predict and problem-solve social situations through storytelling. The books encourage students to think about their roles in social interactions. Using wordless books helps students of all ages engage with complex social issues. Links I Walk With Vanessa: LINK to YouTube read aloud video. I Forgive Alex: LINK to YouTube read aloud video. If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up here!

Tricky behaviors happen in all classrooms. When we have a plan for how to respond, we are able to relax and focus our attention on the the act of teaching. We share a simple framework to respond to tricky behaviors. It is called the OWL Framework and it helps us stay rooted in connecting to students and keeping our attention on learning. This is Sticky Hope. Takeaways Tricky behavior is common in classrooms and requires proactive strategies. The OWL framework helps manage behavior: Open to connection, Work to de-escalate, Return to learning. Connection over correction fosters a supportive learning environment. Teachers' biases can impact their interactions with students. Proximity can help de-escalate situations. Practicing regulation tools with students prepares them for moments of dysregulation. Returning to learning quickly after de-escalation is crucial. It's important to maintain a calm and kind demeanor in challenging situations. The OWL framework is a practical tool for managing classroom behavior. Download the O.W.L. Framework by clicking on this link: https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/

As the newness of the school year wears off, we want to remember who we are, before we go on a quest to determine what to do with the tricky behaviors that are beginning to show up in our classrooms. When we know and commit to being the best versions of ourselves as teachers, then we can respond to tricky behaviors in compassionate and helpful ways. Timeline 00:00 Back to School Strategies 02:30 Who Do You Want to Be as a Teacher? 05:40 Consistency in Teaching Identity 11:54 Building Community and Classroom Vision 13:54 Takeaways

Sometimes it feels like we're doing all of the things, but until we pay close enough attention to track behaviors we can be fooled by our brains. There are many empty promises when it comes to navigating tricky behaviors, but we know that trauma doesn't play fair. A first step to discovering how to nourish heatlhy regulation is to get an accurate understanding of the tricky behaviors happening in our classrooms. Use the "What's Happening?" sheet as a simple and quick baseline to begin a conversation about how to navigate the tricky behaviors popping up in all of our classrooms. Timeline 00:00 Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle02:47 Understanding Tricky Behaviors in Children05:38 The Impact of Trauma on Behavior08:12 Identifying Dysregulation in Children10:42 Tracking Behaviors for Better Understanding13:11 Takeaways Takeaways Understanding tricky behaviors requires a deeper analysis. Trauma impacts behavior and requires thoughtful approaches. Identifying dysregulation is key to supporting children. Tracking behaviors helps demystify children's actions. Teachers should not blame themselves for children's behaviors. Patterns in behavior can guide effective interventions. Slowing down to observe can lead to better insights.

We take some time to consider how to nourish the identity of a learner within students, and then what habits we can encourage. We consider creative and tactile ways to help students accept the identity of a learner as part of a classroom vision or mission. Timeline 00:00 Building Identities in Education03:05 The Power of Self-Identity05:34 Creating a Classroom Community08:07 Art as a Tool for Identity10:49 Navigating Tricky Behaviors with Compassion12:23 Takeaways Takeaways Building identities in children is crucial for their learning. Self-identity influences actions and habits. Educators must reflect on their own identities. Positive narratives can shift student perceptions. Art can serve as a powerful tool for identity building. Classroom charters help establish community values. Compassion is key in addressing challenging behaviors. Students' identities are shaped by peer perceptions. Creating tangible reminders can reinforce classroom identity. Navigating tricky behaviors is part of the teaching landscape. Links Choice Literacy Article: "Creating a Classroom Emotional Intelligence Charter" by Mandy Robek NPR article: "Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain" by Malaka Gharib If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up using the form below!

This season we are focused on the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the importance of awe -- that feeling of seeing a beautiful sunrise or when someone overcomes a trial -- and the way awe can help us stay grounded and calm. We also share ways to create a sense of belonging in our classroom communities. Timeline 00:00 The Joy of Teaching and Belonging03:00 Finding Awe in Challenging Moments05:29 The Power of Perseverance and Resilience08:08 Celebrating Passion and Curiosity in the Classroom10:47 Creating a Belonging Bubble13:31 Mindset Shifts for Positive Classroom Experiences16:06 The Importance of an Awe Journal17:02 Takeaways Takeaways Awe in learning can inspire both teachers and students. Recognizing positive behaviors can shift our perspective on challenging moments. Celebrating students' passions can enhance classroom dynamics. Belonging is crucial for students, especially those from difficult backgrounds. Teachers should strive to be enamored by their students' uniqueness. Creating a culture of celebration can improve classroom behavior. Reflection on awe can help teachers maintain a positive outlook. An awe journal can serve as a reminder of joyful moments in teaching.

This season we are focused on connection first and the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. One way to build connections is through books, so we decided to include a few book-ish episodes in our line up. Stephanie Affinito, host of the KidLit Love podcast offers three thoughtful and unexpected books to start the school year (and return to again and again). Timeline 00:00. Book Recommendations for Educators12:47 Exploring New Books for the Classroom15:56. The Importance of Read-Alouds Takeaways Restorative reading and writing practices can enhance well-being. New books can invigorate classroom communities. Reading and writing can be tools for healing. Community-building books are vital for the start of the school year. Teachers should explore diverse literature for their classrooms. Engaging with authors can deepen connections to books. Restorative practices can transform teaching experiences. Links Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life Sticky Hope Notes with helpful resources: Episode Link Chapters (00:00:00) - Book Recommendations for Educators(00:12:47) - Exploring New Books for the Classroom(00:15:58) - he Importance of Read-Alouds

We are happy to welcome Stephanie Affinito to the podcast. Stephanie is a beautiful soul who wants to share the power of literacy to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the power of reading and writing to help all of us -- educators and students -- to be healthy.   LINKS Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life

This season we are focused on the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. Episode 28 considers the mindsets we, as educators, can establish to have the stamina to teach. This is Sticky Hope. Links Make sure to follow us on Instagram! @sticky.hope Here is an article from Cleveland Health about the impact of snoozing on your body. If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up here!   Takeaways Becca is transitioning to special education this year. Emotional wellness is crucial for educators. Establishing routines helps manage stress. Avoiding the snooze button can improve mornings. Teachers should prioritize eating during the school day. Handwritten notes can enhance relationships. Connection is a key theme for the new school year. Intentional practices support teacher well-being. Listeners are encouraged to share their routines. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome Back to Season Two(00:02:53) - Becca's New Role in Special Education(00:05:23) - The Importance of Emotional Wellness in Education(00:07:49) - Establishing Healthy Routines for the School Year(00:10:29) - Creating Connections in the Classroom(00:13:09) - Introducing the Theme: Connection First(00:14:58) - Takeaways

Taking breaks and having space is an important part of nourishing healthy regulation. We're talking about finding our own rhythms for breaks and how to help students discover the power of breaks.  

The journey of developing a tool to help respond to behavior continues with more reflection and revisions. We've developed a student-facing behavior sheet and a parent-facing behavior sheet. It's exciting the way we can support students' regulation from many different angles.   Timeline 03:17 Tracking Progress and Consistency in Behavior Management06:23 Real Classroom Applications and Teacher Insights09:09 Engaging Students in Self-Reflection12:29 Collaboration with Parents for Better Outcomes15:18 Utilizing AI for Accessibility in Communication18:27 Celebrating Small Wins and Long-Term Strategies Key Takeaways Tracking consistency in behavior management is crucial for educators. Real classroom applications provide valuable insights into student behavior. Engaging students in self-reflection can enhance their understanding of their own needs. Parent involvement is essential for effective behavior management. AI can be a helpful tool in creating accessible educational resources. Collaboration between teachers and parents can lead to better support for students. Celebrating small wins is important in the journey of behavior management. Consistency in applying strategies leads to noticeable improvements over time. Understanding individual student needs is key to effective teaching.

We're presenting in Chicago at the joint NCTE/NCTM conference. Our session is with Jodie Bailey about a strategy called still thinking. We talk about this complex thinking strategy and share a variety of ways to use it. Links Choice Literacy Article: "Still Thinking: An Opportunity to Pause and Think Deeply" by Jodie Bailey Jodie Bailey on LinkedIn The Big Red Lollipop by Rukasana Kahn Timeline 00:00 NCTE/NCTM Joint Conference in Chicago01:18 Exploring the Concept of 'Still Thinking'04:45 Applying 'Still Thinking' in Early Childhood Literacy09:04 Engagement and Time in Learning14:55 Navigating 'No Thinking' in the Classroom Key Takeaways Still Thinking is a valuable strategy for all ages. Engagement in learning can be fostered through movement. Extended discussions can deepen understanding in young learners. It's important to honor individual thinking processes. Teaching strategies should be transferable across subjects. Complex reasoning can be introduced at an early age. Classroom dynamics can be navigated with intentionality. Students benefit from having time to process their thoughts. Curiosity and exploration are key in educational practices.

There are many different kinds of families and people who invest in students. How can we honor different families and their traditions of celebrating? Timeline 00:00 Celebrating Diverse Family Structures02:54 Honoring All Caregivers05:39 Nourishing Webs of Support08:45 Equity in Celebrations and Acknowledgments Key Takeaways It's critical to represent family structures in education. Celebrations should include all caregivers, not just biological parents. Children need to feel seen and valued in their unique family situations. Webs of support are essential for children's well-being. Celebrating holidays should be inclusive and equitable. Conversations about family dynamics are necessary in education. It's important to reflect on the impact of our celebrations. Recognizing differences helps foster a sense of belonging. Engagement should focus on who supports the child, not just parents.

Inspired by Foster Care Awareness Month, we share our experiences as foster parents and offer insights for educators who are working with children in care.

A simple and powerful practice is the discipline of gratitude. Often Becca closes the day with a gratitude circle. We share the way this practice fosters emotional regulation, empathy, and community among students. Links Mentioned Sticky Hope Kit Timeline 00:00 The Power of Gratitude Circles 03:23 Transformative Effects of Gratitude on Children 06:27 Gratitude as a Lifelong Practice 09:34 Neuroscience Behind Gratitude 12:18 Implementing Gratitude in Daily Routines Key Takeaways Gratitude circles help students process emotions and build community. Consistent gratitude practices lead to positive behavioral changes. Gratitude can shift children's focus from negative to positive experiences. The neuroscience of gratitude shows it alters brain chemistry. Gratitude fosters empathy and emotional regulation in children. Implementing gratitude routines can lower stress for educators. Gratitude circles can evolve from tangible to abstract appreciation. Practicing gratitude can enhance overall classroom dynamics. Gratitude is a lifelong practice that benefits all ages. Engaging in gratitude can improve mental health and well-being.

We're talking about the importance of emotional awareness and different kinds of regulation strategies. We consider how to teach children to understand their emotions and develop coping strategies, emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence in the classroom. Links Mentioned Permission to Feel by Mark Brackett Mood Meter by Mark Brackett Sticky Hope Kit

Hope is powered by data is a mantra we've been exploring. We think about using data to track behaviors. Let's build habits and skills to navigate the world in healthy ways. Download the Roots to Response Behavior Sheet.   

As educators, we see lots of tricky behaviors, and it's natural to want to find labels to help us make sense of the way kids are behaving. In episode 19, we talk about helping students develop habits for positive behaviors without labeling students in negative ways. This is Sticky Hope. Links Mentioned Roots to Response Behavior Sheet Timeline 00:00 Understanding Student Behavior: A Teacher's Journey03:48 Navigating Antisocial Behaviors in the Classroom06:47 The Importance of Labels: Understanding vs. Judging09:39 Developing Replacement Behaviors for Positive Interaction12:45 Tools for Advocacy: Behavior and Skills Tracking16:10 New Chapter   Key Takeaways Skylar's behavior was a call for attention, not defiance. Understanding behavior as an indicator of interaction with the world is crucial. Labeling behaviors can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective responses. Antisocial behavior exists on a continuum and requires nuanced understanding. Replacement behaviors are essential for teaching new skills. It's important to differentiate between antisocial behavior and the child themselves. Teachers often feel embarrassed about challenging behaviors in the classroom. Documentation of behaviors and interventions is vital for seeking support. Developing skills is the focus for both students and teachers. Creating a supportive environment can lead to positive changes in behavior. 

We're talking about positive ways to leverage attentional bias. Inspired by the kindness momentum from Amy Ludwig Vanderwater's book, The Sound of Kindness, we discuss ways to foster a positive classroom identity and uplift student voices. Links Mentions The Sound of Kindness by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater Brené Brown | Dare to Lead | List of Values Episode 6: Unconscious Thoughts (AKA Bias) Timeline 00:00 The Power of Kindness in Education 03:10 Building a Positive Classroom Identity 06:11 The Importance of Student Voice 09:13 Creating Meaningful Messages on Classroom Doors 11:29 Core Values and Classroom Identity 14:44 Innovative Ideas for Classroom Engagement Key Takeaways The kindness momentum created a positive bias in students. Paying attention to what we focus on can influence student behavior. Student handwriting and observations empower their identity. Creating a classroom door reflects the community's values. Students recognized the importance of their classroom identity. Conversations about classroom decor can enhance student ownership. Core values guide the messages we send in our classrooms. Engaging students in decision-making fosters a sense of belonging. Classroom doors can communicate important messages to the community. Teachers can learn from each other's creative classroom ideas.

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater joins us to talk about her book The Sound of Kindness. This is a delightful conversation about ways to help children process tough times and how to keep our own lights alive.  Links Mentioned  The Poem FarmAmy's WebsiteAmy's First Post for National Poetry Month 2025: Hello, My Name Is The Sound of Kindness Magination PublisherLife is in the Transistions by Bruce Feiler"Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye Timeline 00:00 The Power of Kindness in Education 07:40 Creating a Culture of Kindness 11:58 The Importance of Storytelling and Connection 15:52 The Power of Kindness in Education 18:51 Engaging with Creative Projects Key Takeaways The sound of kindness can transform classroom dynamics. Engaging students in kindness projects fosters a positive culture. Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching empathy. Children can take on roles that promote kindness, like "kindness detectives." Poetry can help children process their emotions and experiences. Paying attention to kindness can shift focus from negativity to positivity. Creating a supportive environment encourages students to express themselves. Literature can provide valuable lessons on navigating life's challenges. Maintaining hope is essential for both educators and students. Kindness and creativity are interconnected in the learning process.

Becca shares a situation that doesn't sit well with her because it seems like there are conditions for students to other one another. We tug at the complexity of following school iniatives that don't feel right when they play out in our classrooms. Timeline 00:00 Celebrating Milestones in Kindergarten02:57 The Impact of Extrinsic Motivation06:03 Balancing Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation09:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Teaching Key Takeaways Celebrating milestones like the 100th day of kindergarten is significant. Students can become aware of their achievements in unexpected ways. Extrinsic motivation can create competition among students. Teachers often feel pressured to follow school initiatives. Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for student development. Teachers should reflect on what students are paying attention to. Uncertainty in teaching can lead to valuable learning experiences. Adjusting teaching strategies based on student feedback is important. Links Mentioned in This Episode Sticky Hope Kit Choice Literacy

It's (almost) April Fool's Day, and we're talking about the ways brains can fool us and how we can write shared narratives to help students process hard things. Timeline 00:00 April Fool's Day Memories02:20 The Power of Self-Talk06:23 Creating Shared Narratives09:56 Overcoming Negative Self-Talk Key Takeaways Self-talk can empower students to face challenges. Creating shared narratives helps students process experiences. Teachers also struggle with negative self-talk. Recognizing unhelpful thoughts is crucial for growth. Positive affirmations can change a child's perspective. Storytelling can reinforce resilience in students. Community support is vital in overcoming fears. Teachers can focus on the truth in their self-narratives. It's important to slow down and reflect on our thoughts.

Sometimes the behaviors we see in our classrooms are confusing and frustrating. An article in a local newspaper opened a conversation about understanding the way trauma changes the brain so punitive responses and blaming parents won't help position students to learn. We talk about looking at behavior through a lens of stress responses.   Timeline   00:00 Understanding Student Behavior and Trauma Responses07:10 Recognizing Trauma Responses in the Classroom14:52 Exploring Advanced Trauma Responses19:46 The Importance of Support and Resources for Teachers Links https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/02/11/oxford-hills-school-administrators-working-to-curb-student-behaviors/  https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1413492420088362&id=100042828527519&wtsid=rdr_0xDJ4TMm484bJM1Gl&_rdr National Library of Medicine 2017 study Pew Research Center

The hippocampus helps process memory. When young children experience extreme stress, the hippocampus can be damaged. This shows up in our classrooms in unexpected ways. Ruth and Becca share a Behavior/Skills Tracker teachers can use to help document behaviors and the ways they've tried to position students to learn.   Timeline 00:00 The Power of Drafting and Collaboration02:54 Understanding the Hippocampus and Trauma06:01 The Impact of Trauma on Children’s Brains09:02 Healing and Supporting Children with Trauma11:50 Practical Tools for Educators: Behavior and Skills Tracker Download the Brain Reference and Behavior/Skills Tracker: https://stickyhope.com/13-2/

There are many realities of teaching that are different than how we imagined our teaching lives would go. One thing we can do is to learn to befriend uncertainty. This is more than a kitschy phrase, and we share the neuroscience behind learning to embrace uncertainty.   Timeline 00:00 Dreams vs. Reality in Teaching03:09 Befriending Uncertainty05:47 Curiosity as a Tool for Learning09:13 The Power of Reflection and Observation11:46 Encouraging Curiosity in Students

Everyone has tough days, but how do we talk about those days with our students? An occupational therapist recommends a video to open conversations in Becca's kindergarten classroom. Links mentioned in this episode: Sticky Hope Kit: https://stickyhope.com/stickyhopekit/ Unbouncing Tigger (Walt Disney Animation Studios): https://youtu.be/LRVzWYYWgxM?si=__QXD2tp_1bi1K5z Choice Literacy: https://choiceliteracy.com/

We're coming back with part two of welcoming back because we want to talk about how to help the other kids welcome back a classmate who's been dysregulated and needed to take a break, or we had to clear the room with all of the other students. When this happens, how do we continue to build and strengthen our learning communities?

It's mid-year and we're thinking about ways to welcome students and adults into our learning communities. It's not just a beginning of the year act, but something that happens all year long. We talk about welcoming the student who is always late or welcoming back a student who has been sick or welcoming the student who brought a toy (again). We even welcome Gem the cat and her unexpected cameo appearance on the podcast. 

Humans must learn to care. It's not something we are born knowing how to do. Ruth and Becca talk about ways to nourish students to want to help others.

The things we read, view, and hear influence the ways we interact with the world. How can we be authentic and keep an open-mind to learning more in a world that constantly touts a confusing mix of information? Ruth and Becca discuss paying attention to the things we pay attention to in order to nourish healthy regulation in ourselves and others.

In episode six, Ruth and Becca discuss the way bias influences the decisions educators make when responding to students who are not at their finest.

In the last episode, Ruth and Becca focused on deciding who we want to be when facing extreme behaviors. In this episode they talk about all of the other kids when an educator's attention is consumed by a child who is showing a stress response.

Still tugging threads from Episode 002: Kindergarten, Suspension, and What We Know About the World, in this episode Ruth and Becca consider taking the time to reflect and notice patterns. It begins by deciding who we want to be when faced with dysregulated behaviors.

Digging into the idea of well-nourished lives, we know it doesn't look the same for everyone. Ruth Ayres and Becca Burk discuss the importance of offering well-nourished lives to help strengthen emotional regulation. They define three questions to support well-nourished living in our classrooms and our lives.

It can be shocking to hear people contemplate suspending a kindergarten student. Ruth Ayres and Becca Burk discuss whether suspension helps students grow academically and become mentally fit. This is a complicated topic, and at the end there are still more questions to explore.

Whether you're facing a sticky situation with a student and a tricky behavior or a sticky conversation with a colleague or students' loved ones, choosing to find and provide hope is necessary. Ruth Ayres and Becca Burk decided it was time to chronicle their journey of interacting with kids.