During the LAS book studies I shared many examples of working with students to help them identify their wants and needs, using that perspective to develop classroom (and school level) supports to help ensure that the classroom remains a safe and productive space to learn (my need) and that the student is able to express their feelings and communicate their wants and needs in that space (eg that work is hard or they need a break etc). Using collaborative strategies has been so beneficial to getting buy-in from the students to try out strategies in the classroom. I've also worked with other teachers throughout the district to do the same and we have seem positive impact from collaborating with students at all academic levels.
