Sycamore is a Capturing Kids Hearts Showcase School and is proud of its efforts in connecting with students.
What is Capturing Kids' Hearts
Capturing Kids' Hearts is a relationship building approach to discipline that creates self-managing groups.
How does it work?
Teachers use the EXCEL model to communicate with students. Students create their own rules via a social contract. students hold each other accountable using "checks" and "fouls". An environment is created that emphasizes positivity through "good things" and affirmations".
The EXCEL model is used:
- to build relationships
- to build self-managing groups
- to build safe classrooms and schools
Engage: Students are greeted at the door with a handshake, eye contact, and a sincere welcome.
X-plore: Teachers listen and attend to the personal, emotional, and academic needs of our students.
Communicate: Teachers communicate care as well as content.
Empower: Teachers empower students to gain the ability to "use and do" the things they have been taught.
Launch: Deals with how we "end and send" our students into the world. The purpose is to start our students on a course of action by ending our classes on a powerful note.