Emergency dance parties & the transformative classroom | Loretta Grace Morrison | TEDxSanDiegoWomen

Key Concepts:

• Transformative Model: A teaching approach that meets students where they are and offers creative options to address their needs quickly.
• Intentional Connection: Building moments of connection into the flow of class without requiring fancy tools.
• Student Well-being: Recognizing and addressing students' stress, anxiety, and emotional state.
• Refocusing Techniques: Strategies to help students regain focus and motivation in the classroom.

1. Introduction: The Need for Transformative Strategies

• The speaker, an academic director and former teacher, emphasizes the importance of transformative strategies when traditional methods fail in the classroom.
• She maintains a presence in the classroom to stay connected and lead from experience.
• The "post-lunch slump" is presented as a common challenge, leading to disengaged students.

2. Emergency Dance Parties: A Case Study

• The speaker describes using "emergency dance parties" to shift the energy in the classroom.
• This involves playing music, dimming the lights, and using party lights to create a fun, engaging atmosphere.
• The goal is to refocus students and combat the feeling of being overwhelmed, especially before finals.

3. The Transformative Model: Principles and Application

• The transformative model is presented as a way to help students refocus and get work done with joy.
• It's described as a "teacher's magic wand" – strategic rather than just sparkly.
• Examples of quick engagement techniques:
  • Thumbs up/down check-ins between PowerPoint slides.
  • Call-and-response clapping rhythms.
  • Using a song as a timer for clean-up activities (e.g., "Mission Impossible" theme).

4. Addressing Student Stress and Emotional State

• The speaker acknowledges that students often carry stress, anxiety, and other emotional burdens into the classroom.
• The transformative model is designed to address these moments when students are unmotivated, unfocused, or overwhelmed.
• The model is built on observing students' body language and non-verbal cues to understand their needs.

5. Four Transformative Tools

• Sticky Notes:
  • Used for students who are hesitant to speak in front of the class.
  • The teacher leaves a question on the student's desk (e.g., "How did you sleep?", "What did you have for lunch?").
  • Allows students to respond in their own time and address underlying issues privately.
• Feelings Pillow:
  • A student who is overwhelmed can go to a designated cozy corner, grab the pillow, and point to how they feel.
  • Provides a non-verbal, non-intimidating way for students to express their emotions.
• Mental Notes:
  • Students use a notepad labeled "mental notes" to jot down thoughts that are interrupting their focus.
  • Examples: "That story reminds me of Disneyland," "I wonder what mom's making for dinner."
  • Helps students release distracting thoughts and regain focus.
• Emergency Dance Parties:
  • Used when the mood in the classroom drops or the day feels heavy.
  • Involves playing a song and dancing for about three minutes.
  • Aims to uplift the mood, allow students to move, and create a fresh atmosphere.

6. The Impact of Transformative Tools

• These tools transform the classroom from a "pressure cooker into a place of possibility."
• When students feel seen, supported, and safe, they behave better, learn better, and feel better.

7. Conclusion: Joy as a Strategy

• The speaker encourages teachers to maintain standards and structure but also to incorporate elements of joy and connection.
• She advocates for keeping playlists ready, stocking up on sticky notes, and not being afraid to use dance parties.
• The concluding statement emphasizes that "sometimes joy is the strategy" and exactly what students need.