Rooted in Relationships

Description
Personal Reflection | 15 minutes

The Rooted in Relationships model is one way to take a multi-level, ecological approach to relationships, and from there, to plan for concrete actions at each of the levels. The Rooted in Relationships model uses the “roots of resilience and thriving” metaphor to point out different conditions or elements that can help organizations, leaders and tutors/educators/practitioners as they focus on creating relationship-rich spaces for all young people. The Rooted in Relationships model centers on a thriving tree. The tree represents positive youth development outcomes including aspects of healthy academic development like engagement, growth mindset, math performance and persistence. Click here to download this page as a PDF.

Instructions

1. Roots support and nourish trees as they grow.

A network of Developmental Relationships offer youth connection, stability, encouragement, guidance, and opportunities that help them thrive. The relationships (or, roots in this model) has been our focus in this Toolkit, with resources and strategies that you can utilize to build relationships with students.

2. Soil provides nutrients for the roots.

Similar to how soil conditions are critical for growth of the roots, programs/classrooms’ relational climate provides fertile ground for strong tutor/educator-youth relationships to take root. To cultivate the soil, it's important to add nutrients, remove toxins, and create space for roots to grow deeper and stronger. Similarly, it takes effort and time to cultivate a program/classroom climate that is intentional, inclusive, and equitable. A relational climate that embodies these characteristics provides fertile ground for strong developmental relationships to take root. What are your program/classroom’s nutrients (that foster a relationally-rich program climate)? What are your program’s toxins (that hinder a relationally-rich program climate)?

3. Bedrock provides a solid foundation for the soil and all that grows within it.

Similarly, program/classroom structures (such as communications, schedules, and [for some programs] hiring training, and budgets) can be aligned to continually support and sustain positive relational climates where relationships thrive. What are your program/classroom’s solid foundations (supporting structures for relationships)? What are your program’s flimsy layers (structures that hinder relationships)

4. Environmental factors above ground affect a tree and its roots, soil, and bedrock.

Just like young people, learning spaces are also affected by societal norms, policies, media, and other aspects of the broader community context. What are your program/classroom’s sunshines (supporting contextual factors)? What are your program/classroom’s wildfires (challenging contextual factors)?

Tips and Tricks

Going Deeper. For a holistic view of learning contexts, pair this reflection with Intentional Relationship Building, Action Planning, and Culturally Responsive Relationships.

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