Listen up.
Creating Compassionate Caring Classrooms with Primary Educator Attalia Egerton
In this episode Shelley chats with fellow Marion Method mentor Attalia Egerton. Passionate about psycho-spiritual inquiry, re-parenting and re-culturing, Attalia is also a primary school teacher, kinesiologist, somatic meditation and embodiment facilitator and mother to two. Her vision is mentoring other parents and teachers in integrating this work into their lives and the education system at large.
In this episode you'll learn about:
- what bringing a psycho-spiritual lens to the classroom does for Attalia
- why all teachers can feel *less* exhausted when using the Marion Method in class
- the importance of speaking authentically to children and giving them a safe space to be themselves
- why understanding the 'love' and 'will' needs/hurts according to the Marion Method helps teachers in the classroom
- how competition is embedded into the school system and what it is doing to our children... and so much more!
If you are believe it is the birthright of our children to feel safe and connected and to thrive in the classroom, then this is the podcast episode for you!
Testimonial
"Attalia and Shelley’s podcast instantly improved my teaching and the ability to connect far more securely with students. The day after listening to it, I was relief teaching in a Reception class and I knew there would undoubtedly be some students who were rattled by the presence of a relief teacher and reticent to leave their parents. I was excited that I would be able to try out the approach presented in the podcast.
Sure enough, as I arrived and students began entering the classroom, there were 4 students clinging to their parents or grandparents. One by one I went and knelt low on the ground (rather than just bending down) next to each of them, I told them I understood they would have had a surprise arriving today seeing me instead of their usual teacher. I told them it was really hard when things are unexpected and it’s hard saying goodbye to mum. I introduced myself to each one and reassured each one that “I will be right here with you all day and if there’s anything you need or anything that’s worrying you then you can come and tell me.” It was like having a magical script to use! I made sure I spoke extra softly and gently.
One by one they independently peeled away in their own time and came into the classroom willingly. When the class was seated in front of me I began the day by telling the whole class that I saw how brave they’d been as they’d all had a surprise when they arrived at school that day. We had a fantastic day together and the students were all so settled. I’d like to think that maybe in their homes that night, I’d saved some parents from weathering the release of emotions that may have happened if their child had been torn away or rushed into the classroom without having their feelings heard.
It was different to other times. As the unsure students came into the classroom there was no feeling of tension, no feeling of them being pulled or torn from their parents, no feeling of parents prying them off and pushing them in. No trembling lips looking at me, no tears being choked down and no exasperated parents leaving feeling disheartened.
Simple sentences, small nuances in body language but a powerful and positive difference.
What an amazing tool to be gifted! I was SO excited to see it all play out. Thank you!"
Nikki Riemann