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How to Talk to Kids

How to Talk to Kids

When I’m teaching and I make a call that speaking one-on-one to a student is required, I’ve got three agenda items for that mini-meeting:

 

  1. That my goal is for the student to win by being thanked or congratulated for an act of personal responsibility.
  2. That my job is to conduct a fair and question-based (I call it being Socratic) conversation within a couple of minutes.
  3. That I thank and congratulate the student only when they’ve taken full responsibility.

 

It sounds absurdly simple… because it is. Who on earth would want a convoluted plan for that interaction?

 

And sure, it’s an unpredictable moment and an imperfect process. There are countless “what if” and “yeah but” scenarios you might be imagining. None of them are a good reason to abandon an approach that is so useful and fast.

 

Through practice and a determination for mastery, you’ll be smashing these awkward convos consistently and effectively in no time.

 

And to help you master the consistent chat, I’ve created a 1-page guide that any teacher can get started with. Head to the Consistent Conversation Compass to grab yours.

After all, great teaching is probably around 90% theft isn’t it?

 

Keep fighting that good fight,

ADAM

P.S. I’ve kicked off my national workshop series for 2025!

 

Join me as we tackle student engagement, teacher burnout, and behaviour challenges – with proven, practical strategies grounded in solid research and a relentless focus on relationships.

 

For Teachers and Education Practitioners:

Restorative Teaching: The Next Frontier of Student Engagement Workshop

Find out how Restorative Teaching changes the game – fostering authentic relationships, increasing student accountability and making learning something kids want to do (not just have to do).

 

For Principals and Aspiring School Leaders:

Leading Whole School Behaviour Improvement Workshop

You’ll get real strategies for transforming student behaviour – not by cracking down, but by building a school culture where great behaviour is the norm, not the exception.

 

See dates and locations here.

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