Leslie Dent Scarcello (@mrsdentscarcello) is a teacher-librarian and elementary educator in Manitoba. In this episode, Leslie shares her perspective on building connections with students and staff. She provides ideas for incorporating technology, play and inquiry in learning activities and gives some tips for fostering a love of literacy. Tune in for ideas and inspiration on teaching, learning and connecting!
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Getting to Know Leslie
What books are you currently reading for enjoyment or for professional learning?
Teachers These Days by Jody Carrington
Beautiful World, Where are You by Sally Rooney
The Couple Next Door by Ari Lapena
With her kids:
PAX by Sara Pennypacker
Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio
Mighty Robot books by Dav Pilkey
Princess in Black books by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale
Who has influenced or inspired you as an educator?
Dr. Jody Carrington @drjodycarrington
Trevor MacKenzie @trev_mackenzie
Laurie McIntosh @mrsmacskinders
Rebecca Bushby @InquiryTeacher
Erin Clark
What tech tool(s) are your daily essentials?
Flipgrid, Book Creator, Instagram and Office 365
Listen to the full episode for ideas and inspiration from Leslie!
“Being a respectful teacher also means showing up as real people ourselves and letting [students] see us make mistakes and how we go about fixing them.”
– Leslie Dent Scarcello,
Tips for Connecting with Colleagues
- In coaching and co-teaching roles, find out what your colleagues need from you
- respect their wishes and needs
- be flexible with time and be open to providing different kids of support
- get to know colleagues, beyond just their classroom
- have compassion and remember that everyone has things going on that we may not be aware of
Tips for Connecting with Students
“Those kids that seem the hardest to connect with are the ones who need the connection so much… When we can connect with those [students] and they can let us in and give us some of their trust, those are the most rewarding connections.”
Leslie suggests strategies for connecting with students:
- say hello
- make eye contact
- help them feel welcome in your space
- learn their names and use them
- be excited to see them
- listen to kids when they share with you
- accepting kids’ feelings, even when they are having a hard time
- give them time and make 1:1 connections, even outside of class time (if possible)
- provide choice
- respect student voice and honour their opinions
“Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.”
Urie Bronfenbrenner
Learning Activities from Leslie
Two ideas for learning activities she shared were creating travel books based on students’ research of different countries (using Book Creator) and recording book talks with Flipgrid.
Leslie also shared about her experience with using loose parts for Story Studio oral storytelling. See her video below!