Arts And Youth Mental Health : Episode 2 :: Classroom management, behaviour and universal themes

Teaching Artists working with youth frequently deal with behaviours that can be challenging to deal with. This episode addresses the classroom management, needs and universal themes featuring concrete examples coming from the teaching artist practices of host Louise Campbell and guest social worker Alyssa Kuzmarov.

Alyssa Kuzmarov, social worker and filmmaker, is passionate about making film accessible to people rarely represented in the media. Alyssa, along with Jean-Michel Sauri through their production company Productions Oracle, has produced and directed over 40 film projects with schools, community organizations and youth and families of all backgrounds, including RESILIENCE (2021), a docu-fiction based on the real life experiences of youth in the Youth Protection System and youth under the jurisdiction of the Young Offender’s Act. For more information, see www.productions-oracle@gmail.com.

Louise Campbell is a Montreal-based musician whose professional hats range from composer-performer and participatory arts facilitator to cultural mediator and Teaching Artist. Regardless of the hat she is wearing, Louise seeks to interrogate and renew the ways in which we make music and art by creating new works with everyone, regardless of age, ability, level of prior experience, or training. Louise works extensively as a Teaching Artist with ELAN ArtistsInspire and Culture in Schools, and as a cultural mediator with arts organizations such as Innovations en concert, Bradyworks, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, and the Opéra de Montréal.

Acknowledgements

Hosted by Louise Campbell, this podcast was recorded at ELAN’s Community Digital Arts Hub, with mixing and editing by Tyler Rauman. Music featured on this podcast was produced by Kuzmo, a youth involved in the creation of the soundtrack for the film RESILIENCE.

The Arts and Youth Mental Health podcast is funded by the Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN), the Secretariat à la jeunesse and the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. The views expressed herein are based on the experience and professional training of the guests, and supported by information on mental health and wellbeing that were current at the time of recording in June 2024. These views do not necessarily represent the views of ELAN or the funders.

Arts And Youth Mental Health : Episode 2:: Classroom management, behaviour and universal themes

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda addresses a common issue faced by teachers: students who are disengaged. Drawing from personal experiences as a teacher and a parent of a neurodivergent child, the Amanda discusses the importance of moving away from the traditional way of approaching these kinds of unwanted behaviors and instead focusing on a different approach. Amanda describes how in her experience, building strong, positive relationships with students can make a difference in the quality of life for both the teacher and student. Emphasizing that all behavior is a form of communication, Amanda advocates for a collaborative approach with children, involving honest conversations with students about their behavior and motivations. The episode underscores the critical role of relationships and emotional connections in fostering a conducive learning environment.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Addressing Student Apathy

01:12 The Traditional Approach to Classroom Management

01:56 A Shift in Perspective: Understanding Student Behavior

06:49 The Power of Building Relationships

12:16 The Importance of Free Time and Mental Health

12:58 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Change

https://amandawritenow.com/listener-favorite-a-new-way-to-think-about-apathetic-unmotivated-and-defiant-students/

93. Listener Favorite: A New Way to Think About Apathetic, Unmotivated, and Defiant Students

Amanda has been a passionate full time classroom teacher for 14 years. She’s worked in a wide range of educational settings teaching students grades 3rd-8th. Amanda worked for a Title I, charter, magnet, and National Blue Ribbon school and now she homeschools her twice exceptional daughter.

No matter what type of school or grade she’s taught, engaging and empowering students has always been at the forefront of her work as an educator and teacher author.

Amanda understands that helping students find their voice is core to being an effective teacher and social justice advocate.

Even with a teacher willing to listen, there are many barriers that exist and hinder movement towards more equitable schools. Amanda has experienced first hand the many problems that exist in K-12 education. Listening to students is only the first step on a long road ahead. Amanda’s website, courses, lesson resources, and podcast are dedicated to supporting teachers and students in this important work for change.

New tracks tagged #classroom management