Welcome to unit 7, lesson 1! Over the last several units we have dug through crucial topics that are essential to know and discuss as we prepare to transition into roles as educators. From discussing social structures, to equity and equality, to cultural competence, to diversity in family structures, we have really been able to have a taste of the many things that make up "School, Family, and Diversity." For unit 7, we are going to be discussing two things that are rarely discussed in teacher prep courses: relationships and restorative practices for engaging with students (and families). While some might disagree, there is plenty of research that states that cultivating strong relationships with students and their families is critical to ensuring student success and effective family engagement in school life. As you dig through this particular lesson's topics (on relationships), think about your own personal experiences in schooling.

Objectives for this lesson:

• Explain why relationships are important in ensuring student success and family engagement
• Understand Rita Pierson's "Power of Connection"

This lesson's assignments:

1) Watch the video entitled "Every Kid Needs A Champion" by the late, great Rita Pierson. This is a phenomenal video that really unpacks why it is important for educators to build relationships with their students in order for them to grow a love for learning. ClickHERE(Links to an external site.)to access the video, and be prepared to reflect on it.

TED. (2013, May 3).Every kid needs a champion | Rita Pierson[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw&t=9s

2) Read the article entitled"6 Strategies for Building Better Student Relationships"(Links to an external site.)

3) Complete the "Power of Connection Reflection" task. There is a folder under the lesson 1 tab with instructions for this assignment. Dig deep!

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You have had an opportunity to watch a wonderful video by Rita Pierson. You are to write a reflection that answers the following questions:

1) What does Rita Pierson mean by the "power of connection?"

2) Why is the power of connection crucial to your work as an educator?

3) Think of at least one teacher that you had during your years of schooling who exhibited this "power of connection." What was it that this teacher did to connect meaningfully with you and other students? What kind of impact did this have on you? If you cannot think of someone, reflect on what kind of educational experience you may have had if you had an adult that exhibited the "power of connection."

Follow the following criteria to complete this reflection:

• Type your response on a Word Document
• On the upper left-hand corner, type your first and last name, your professor's name, the course code and title (ECE-111: Society, Family, and Diversity), and the date.
• In the center of the paper, provide a title of your choice.
• Your actual response should be no fewer than 400 words, but no more than 600 words in length. Points will be deducted for responses that do not meet these criteria.
• You are allowed to write in first person, as this is a personal reflection