Episode 39 Show Notes

What is the Narrative Void?

• A lack of meaningful and effective exchange of information.
• A void. The void of space. There is nothing there.
• There is a gap or a disconnect in the narrative or story between what is happening at school and what parents think is happening at school.
• AND “What did you do at school today? Nothing”
• AND “What did you learn at school today? Nothing”
• LS teachers pretty good, self contained classroom, weekly email or class newsletter
• Often begins when students start changing classes

Why does it exist in our schools?

• Your teachers are really busy
• Unclear expectations
• An incorrect perception about parents (parent are to be avoided)
• Your teachers don’t see the connection between keeping your parents informed and the benefits to the child’s growth academically and emotionally

What are some strategies my teachers can use to intentionally fill the Narrative Void?

Leader

• Explain how this actually helps the child
• Give clear expectations
• Hold them accountable
• Consistently have their back with the parents.  

Teacher

• LS teachers do pretty well with this
• As soon as they start switching classes
• What we did: end of unit, beginning of unit
• 4th-8th, anecdotally a big change

What else?

• Consistency with gradebook and posting HW
• Teachers need to reach out when there is an issue
• Teachers need to share the “rock star moments”
• Honest feedback at PT Conferences and on report card comments

Call to Action

• Pick one thing that you are going to do to have your teachers fill the Narrative Void
• Clearly communicate that expectation during your Teacher In-Service next month (real time) or at your next faculty meeting (in the future)

If you implement any of these strategies at your school, I would love to hear from you! Send me a quick note at [email protected] and tell me about it. I can answer your questions and I’m also good at giving pep talks when you get stuck!

CLICK HERE for a bunch of free resources, including Plug & Play PD's (video webinars with guided notes) for you to use with your teachers, Top Lists of Leadership Books, Productivity Books, TED Talks and much more!

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