As educators most of our actions and observations are based on words. We communicate with them and focus on what we believe they mean and represent. Words can mean different things to different people in different situations. Words matter. The actions that accompany those words matter also. Beginning with the manner in which students are greeted at the door as they enter schools, we impact the state of mind they will bring to their learning. Some students are met with metal detectors and police officers. There are at least two different responses students may have. One is to feel that they are not trusted and have to be checked to be sure they are not bringing danger to the school. The other is that they are being protected against others who may be bringing danger.  How do you know what each student is feeling as they enter the building and how will they bring that to their learning?   Read more...