Do you feel uncomfortable leading discussions on sensitive or polarizing topics in your classroom? Learn how you can provide a space for students to engage in difficult conversations, manage discomfort, and promote inclusive teaching and learning.  This interactive workshop will use the Orange Method (radical self-care + radical hospitality) as a foundation for having difficult conversations across differences. We will build a sense of belonging, use mindfulness and conscious movement to help us explore our own social identities, expand our classroom practices, and practice facing challenging situations with honesty and compassion. We will also draw on the wisdom of colleagues to co-create a blueprint for facilitating conversations on sensitive or controversial topics on issues of race, class, religious beliefs, and political ideologies. Participants will work in pairs, squads and as a large group to practice our developing facilitation skills. 

• How can we create a safe and supportive classroom where difficult conversations can happen?
• How do our social identities and cultural perspectives affect how we facilitate discussions?

Location: 

The Blake Upper School