Conversations are important for everyone. Some conversations can only occur when we feel understood. By talking with others, we can learn new ways to be respectful, kind, and empathetic. As we deepen our learning, we become more aware of our own actions. By discovering, growing, and learning about the many emotional parts of ourselves and others, we can find our Present Self. Follow along in this conversation that connects our emotional parts of ourselves to TREE (our Present Self). As LEAVES (Belonging) and BRANCHES (Growth) communicate, we learn that our parts protect us so we can be just like a strong, healthy, and growing TREE. About the Authors: Kerry Armstrong has over 30 years of teaching in 9 different school districts in Canada K-12, including working with the teachers in training at Vancouver Island University. Kerry has worked to implement the principles of UDL as a teacher and consultant since 2004. She has written articles that have been presented locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally on Inquiry and UDL. I intend to learn more everyday about how each learner can hope to improve by creating trusting relationships. I am especially motivated to make sweeping changes so that there are no 'cracks' in classroom floors. Because of my diverse career, I have some insights into why and how learners fall through the 'cracks'; and, I am committed to shoring up ladders for learners to climb from under the floor boards and then I want to seal those cracks forever. We will dialogue and take risks to build networks who collaborate to make sweeping changes. We will share and show what we know, and we will celebrate our successes. Terri Mack, Kay Kwee Kway Kwa, is a member of the Da'naxda'xw Awaetlala Nation. Terri has worked within Aboriginal Education for 20 years, 17 within the public system of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District and most recently on reserve with Stz'uminus First Nation as the Community Literacy Coordinator for the past 3 years. During her career within education, 16 of those years have been dearly dedicated to literacy initiatives around the province of B.C., having worked in partnership with SFU, VIU, and many school districts.
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