Lack of Social Connections

From Education in a Pandemic: The Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 on America's Students (US Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights)

OBSERVATION 5 (K-12): During the pandemic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) students in elementary and secondary schools have faced particularly heightened risks for anxiety and stress and have lost regular access to affirming student organizations and supportive peers, teachers, and school staff. These students also are at an increased risk of isolation and abuse from unsupportive or actively hostile family members.

Empathy and Brain Integration

"Emotions chart the course for moment-to-moment choices as well as long-term goals. Unless we learn how to manage our emotions, they can lead us into destructive patterns... Most emotions occur without our conscious awareness. Empathy provides the mirror for children to become aware of their feelings and, in turn, aware of themselves. The more empathy a child receives, the more whole [they] become and the more [their] brain integrates. Essentially, empathy wires the brain for personal responsibility and lifelong success by allowing us to move from a survival state to an emotional state and then integrate with an executive state" (226).

Bailey, Becky. Conscious Discipline. Loving Guidance Inc, 2014.

Ideas for Building Relationships and Social Connections

Build community and social connections by utilizing brain breaks and short interactive activities that foster collaboration and learning.

Encourage students to join at least one club.

Utilize optimistic closings like Glows and Grows

Develop routines (greetings, handshakes, playlists, etc.)

Assign student roles/jobs

Offer assurance and safety (Mind, Heart, Spirit)

Share highlights and celebrations (accomplishments, birthdays, etc.)