Colin Powell S Ted Talk: Kids Need Structure

Colin Powell’s Ted Talk: Kids Need Structure

In this talk, Powell discusses how new recruits in the Army are trained and acclimated to structure. He mentioned the recruits are taught to respond in three ways:

• No sir
• yes sirw
• no excuse sir

Just for the record, I am totally implementing this with my kids at home.

Could you incorporate this into your classroom? Or could you use a variation of it?

When Powell discusses structure, consider that the structure of your classroom communicates many expectations. It:

Sets boundaries & expectations

Once the structure is understood, students will respect whomever creates and enforces the structure

“Your mom is not here" type of environment, that at first may be uncomfortable, but eventually students value the self-reliance and responsibility

As you are striving to create an atmosphere of respect and curtesy in your classroom, always remember it starts with you. The behavior, gestures and tone in your voice demonstrates to every students the standard you expect from them. You are the model.

Powell discusses the importance of early childhood education. While that may not be your instructional focus, the effects of a successful or unsuccessful early childhood education will be felt in your high school classroom. Once you know your students, you’ll be able to surmise into which category they would classify. At this point, you need to ask yourself a simple question: How can I recover the students who didn’t have a successful early childhood or elementary educational experience? It’s a tough question and there is a different answer for each student.

However, you might want to begin by helping the student identify what he or she does well. Then align the skills to what the student likes doing. The act of advising and mentoring through this process of self-discovery could be transformative. A good teacher will ask themselves, am I directing all my students to success, based on their talents and preferences?

Lastly, I loved Powell’s descriptions of the ‘Aunts in the Windows.’ These women had more of a effect on the children than they may have realized, just doing what culturally comes naturally. As you define your place in your school and its community, how will you emulate the ‘Aunts in the Windows’ to be present for your students inside and outside the classroom? Also consider your actions will not only be seen by students, but also be a model for other faculty to replicate.

See Colin Powell’s Ted Talk here.

~ Carol