How to Connect With Kids: 3 Principles from a Principal | James Cowper | TEDxWindsor

Mr. Cowper talks about the lessons he has learned from working with kids as a principle for over 17 years. James Cowper has been an innovative elementary administrator for 17 years. "Am I In Trouble?" - Tales from the Principal's Office - is his conversation on the work of building a culture of critical thinking in schools. Never afraid to speak his truth he inspires open and honest dialogue with students, teachers and parents. He is pursuing his Master's degree, is a graduate of Learning Forward's Academy Class and participates in the Reciprocal Learning Program with Chinese schools. "As a school leader I strive to push the limits and challenge the system of school creating positive change for kids and sometimes I get in trouble for it."
This is what a student had to say about Mr. Cowper:
“Mr. Cowper is a kind and caring adult. He brings a new approach to everything in our school and our community. He’s a great Principal and tries to change the way of things that don’t work. For example, at school when kids used to get in trouble, they’d be punished. Mr. Cowper found a better way for the kids to improve by, instead of punishing, fixing or finding a way to get around or through the trouble. He does this with other things like when he asks to talk to a student and instead of them telling them they are in trouble, he changes the way they think so that they are open to anything.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@katielove9932]

I APPLAUDE YOU for who you are and what you do for kids. I know just what you're talking about. Years ago, I was an assistant teacher in a school. Someone who had no college degree but my job was to help the ones who needed to step-up their grades to graduate. Those children confided in me too about their home life. I felt helpless to give them a better home life but did the best I could to be their friend and help them to understand their studies. One girl gave me her teddy bear. Another cleaned herself up and combed her hair when the teacher gave up on her and let her sit in a corner, and I gave her confidence in herself. She had no friends and was like a rag doll. She improved and became an A student. To my surprise; all those who were going to fail - passed to the next grade that I was assigned too. A lot of kids all over the country are hurting. And so do I, for them.

[@karinaroman4576]

I work with families and their children from 0 to 5 and this has to be one of the best videos I have seen about "Connection". Your principles are GOLD for any age. Thanks for this video. This should be a must to watch for anyone starting to work with children of any age.

[@EssonJr]

I remember Mr. Cowper teaching me back in the early 2000s at Marlborough Public School, such an amazing, inspirational teacher. He loved his work and was always proud to teach every day! I remember when I first joined Marlborough and I was terrified to go into the class and the first time I meet Cowper he said to me “it’s not that bad, you got this” I remember those words to this day. Miss Cowper teaching me, best teacher!

[@luzdeoya]

this is one of the best videos on education ive ever seen. recently i started teaching kids and teenagers and i always had these principles with me. i see a HUGE impact on every kid i work with. in a couple weeks i became their confident and 'cool' teacher, our results are improving and we work as a TEAM. thanks mr cowper for your patience, smart and kind heart.

[@ssheelvanth]

Amazing talk! Thank you Mr Principal. 🙏

[@janc2468]

It is always a tough balancing act to decide when and which rules to implement without hindering a child’s or employee’s creativity, spontaneity, and pursuit of independence. Good for you Mr. Cowper.

[@andsreelare4585]

Trust them, but be there. Let them fail safely.

[@arianagallegos4090]

Amazing video thank you

[@erickahidalgo3144]

“You are only as smart as the books you read , people you know ,as well as the kids you met “ This hits home , as being daughter of a Foster mom and have a aunt who work w special needs elementary schools kids . I can give you incredible examples of vulnerability and a will to express happiness, REGARDLESS of traumas they experienced physically OR emotionally, The teachers were the children and the lesson of the human spirit ,has remained 25 years later, thank you to ALL the great Children Teachers in our nation.

[@Utmost373]

Beautiful message 💚🧠☯️✨🔑

[@user-js6ch1mf8g]

Anyone who disagrees was conditioned and LEARNED TO FEAR THEIR PARENTS. Wait till you want your diaper changed and they tell you you used to act and see how many visits you will get in the nursing homes. You need to understand they are humans that have feelings. Half of the behavior stems from you not listening to them sticking them in a room when they dont listen . You hear them speaking but you dont listen or respect them. Dont expect it in return.

[@Torsdagskvallsmys]

My namei Jeff

[@masemorello4860]

YOO this my principle right now he lit af

[@wellbodisalone]

Great message! 💯

[@nk9458]

That's Authentic and simple advice

[@aryannasingsvibrations1284]

🔥🔥🔥

[@christineb2640]

Well said, so relatable with my so. Who does not usually want me to talk, but just to listen to him, glad to see it’s what s9 e other kids do too ❤

[@TranscendentalCoils]

I am a solo parent. I work ALL the time. How can you be present when you’re always working and drowning and stressing on the bills?

[@JasonfromMinnesota]

Get married

[@HEC892]

good question

[@mysteriousgirl935]

​@JasonfromMinnesota how does this help again? Honest question

[@kevdogasauras]

Can we speak about how this video has thousands of views yet 3 comments

[@Joanarudolph]

Great video

[@Ch0senJuan]

No.

[@anonymoussikkimese2352]

Because the video does all the thing that you dont have any questions, doubts or negative thing to comment about.

[@corybryant7678]

I believe it's due to the level of personal conviction this talk causes to well up inside of the hearers.

[@Torsdagskvallsmys]

Eh my nami Jeff.

[@sandrawong6787]

The rules of play are: ..... Well I'm not one to say,the kids make the rules they learn

[@LilLyko]

I am the 30th comment

[@judyfisher4476]

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