Positive Connections

1. Positive Connections Module 5

2. Inspirational Quotes • “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.”— Albert Schweitzer • “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one”— C.S. Lewis • “We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.”— Joyce Meyer • “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”– Marcel Proust • One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

3. What are Positive Connections? • Positive connections are experienced when individuals feel loved, supported and satisfied with their relationships with others (Butler & Kern, 2016). • They make an individual feel socially integrated and cared for by others (Kern, Waters, Adler & White, 2015).

4. Why do Positive Connections matter? • Positive connections have been associated with: • Good physical health • Psychological wellbeing • Better mental health • Lower levels of psychological distress • Reduced risk of mortality • Reduced risk of psychiatric/physical morbidity • Positive influence on the recovery of certain diseases • (Cohen, Gottlieb & Underwood, 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Umberson, Chen, House, Hopkins & Slaten, 1996; Umberson & Montez, 2010)

5. Why do Positive Connections matter? • Receiving emotional support from others is considered an effective coping strategy that can be used to deal with stressful situations (Carver, Scheier & Weintraub, 1989) • The positive effects of relationships on wellbeing start from early childhood and carry on through a person’s lifetime (Umberson & Montez, 2010). • This highlights why it is so important to understand and promote positive relationships in the classroom environment from a young age.

6. Why are Positive Connections important in learning and teaching? • High-quality relationships are important for young people to function effectively. This includes the relationships experienced in the classroom. • Positive relationships with significant figures, such as teachers, positively affects a young person’s social, affective and academic life. • Supportive relationships at school increase motivation, engagement and achievements at school. (Martin & Dowson, 2009; Martin & Wentzel, 1998)

7. Why are Positive Connections important in learning and teaching? (2) Positive relationships at school are even more important for vulnerable childrenas they can have a protective effect on children with developmental vulnerabilities and lead to better outcomes at school. (Baker, 2006)

8. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Teacher-Student Relationships • Teachers are among the most frequently encountered positive role models in the lives of resilient children (Werner & Smith, 1989). • Teacher-student relationships that are characterised by warmth and trust are linked with a child’s successful adjustment at school. (Baker, Grant & Morlock, 2008) • The protective effect of teacher-student relationships is particularly effective in the case of vulnerable children. (Pianta, 1999)

9. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Teacher-Student Relationships

10. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Teacher-Parent Relationships • The relationship between teachers and parents affects children’s early school adjustment (Hughes & Kwok, 2007). • Warm and respectful relationships are associated with children’s positive development (Marcon, 1999).

11. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Teacher-Parent Relationships • Parental involvement increases children’s motivation at school and is positively related to children’s achievements at school (Gonzalez-DeHass, Willems & Doan Holbein, 2005; Herman & Yeh, 1983). • Parents and teachers can collaborate on joint learning activities, supporting each other in their roles and participating in decision-making activities together (Swick, 1991).

12. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Colleague Relationships Between Teachers • Many new teachers describe their work as ‘solitary’ and feel as though they are expected to be prematurely expert and able to work independently – without the support of experienced teachers (Kardos & Johnson, 2007). • However, positive relationships between teachers can promote both personal and professional development (Nias, 2005)

13. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Colleague Relationships Between Teachers (2) Positive interactions between teachers: • Discussing teaching strategies • Mentoring a new teacher …can help to raise the standards of teaching (Park, Oliver, Johnson, Graham & Oppong, 2007)

14. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Relationships Between Peers • A child’s development and overall wellbeing has been linked to the quality of their peer relationships at school – feeling accepted, participation within friendship groups, ability to make and maintain friendships (Gifford-Smith & Brownell, 2003) • These relationships make a difference in whether a child enjoys going to school or not (Ladd & Coleman, 1997)

15. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Relationships Between Peers • Relationships between peers affect the physical and mental health of a child, and the general stress experienced at school (Taylor, Repetti& Seeman, 1997) • Positive relationships act as a protective factor for vulnerable children with negative family experiences (Criss, Pettit, Bates, Dodge & Lapp, 2002) • This highlights the importance of fostering positive relationships between peers, especially for vulnerable children.

16. Why are Positive Connections important in School Contexts? – Relationships Between Peers • Children who enjoy positive peer relationships are more likely to enjoy a safe school environment and are less likely to be targets of violence, aggression and bullying (Wentzel, Russell & Baker, 2009). • Teachers who involve students in decision-making processes are more likely to foster positive peer relationships in the class (Donohue, Perry & Weinstein, 2003).

17. How can Positive Connections be promoted in the classroom? • Connecting • Respecting • Understanding • Supporting • Giving Feedback • Communication • Cooperative Learning • Active Constructive Responding • Humour • Constructive Feedback

18. What Model is followed in this Module? PERMA Model The PERMA Model is made up of 5 pillars for positive psychological wellbeing: • Relationships (Positive Connections) • Positive Emotion • Engagement • Meaning • Accomplishment

19. Aims of this Module By the end of this module, participants will be able to: • Appreciate the importance and relevance of social connectedness, particularly the teacher-student relationship in the classroom, the teacher-parent relationship, the peer relationships between students and the colleague relationships between teachers • Identify the qualities of a supportive relationship • Build and maintain positive relationships

20. CONSORTIUM