Together we can make a world where all children grow mentally fit and cognitively strong. But what about the days—and there are many—when we feel completely, totally, and undeniably disheartened? The days that threaten joy and attempt to swipe our hope. These are the days when we need tools, resources, and straightforward conversations to know that hope can stick—even in the stickiest situations.
36 | Book Episode: Conversations About Being Left Out
Sometimes it is difficult for students to know how to get along with one another. They can exclude each other or be unkind. Sometimes a student makes a mistake and it's difficult to know how to forgive them and still be friends with them. We share two wordless picture books that will help navigate how to respond to these situations.
Takeaways
Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for teaching empathy.
Books like I Walk With Vanessa and I Forgive Alex help students understand social dynamics.
Narrating social situations allows students to reflect on their own experiences.
Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a supportive classroom environment.
Teachers can use these books to address real-life problems students face.
Students can learn to predict and problem-solve social situations through storytelling.
The books encourage students to think about their roles in social interactions.
Using wordless books helps students of all ages engage with complex social issues.
Links
I Walk With Vanessa: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
I Forgive Alex: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
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22 Sept 2025
35 | A Simple Framework to Respond to Tricky Behaviors
Tricky behaviors happen in all classrooms. When we have a plan for how to respond, we are able to relax and focus our attention on the the act of teaching. We share a simple framework to respond to tricky behaviors. It is called the OWL Framework and it helps us stay rooted in connecting to students and keeping our attention on learning. This is Sticky Hope.
Takeaways
Tricky behavior is common in classrooms and requires proactive strategies.
The OWL framework helps manage behavior: Open to connection, Work to de-escalate, Return to learning.
Connection over correction fosters a supportive learning environment.
Teachers' biases can impact their interactions with students.
Proximity can help de-escalate situations.
Practicing regulation tools with students prepares them for moments of dysregulation.
Returning to learning quickly after de-escalation is crucial.
It's important to maintain a calm and kind demeanor in challenging situations.
The OWL framework is a practical tool for managing classroom behavior.
Download the O.W.L. Framework by clicking on this link: https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/
8 Sept 2025
34 | Remember Who You Are
As the newness of the school year wears off, we want to remember who we are, before we go on a quest to determine what to do with the tricky behaviors that are beginning to show up in our classrooms. When we know and commit to being the best versions of ourselves as teachers, then we can respond to tricky behaviors in compassionate and helpful ways.
Timeline
00:00 Back to School Strategies
02:30 Who Do You Want to Be as a Teacher?
05:40 Consistency in Teaching Identity
11:54 Building Community and Classroom Vision
13:54 Takeaways
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,617
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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