Teacher makes a difference for students one starfish at a time

What do starfish, alpacas, tigers and donuts have in common? They each serve as motivation for student success in teacher Lindsay Kolari’s Grade 5 class at Algonquin Road Public School.

“Our staff work diligently to create brave learning spaces for children, starting with high-performance student-teacher relationships,” says Principal Trevor Dewit. “Fostering strong connections with students helps shape the way they think and act in school, and improves their overall academic performance.”

For Lindsay Kolari, the classroom environment is key. “When students are excited to learn, they feel safe, they want to take risks, and aren’t afraid to make mistakes, everything else falls into place,” she says.

At the beginning of the school year, Lindsay Kolari’s class of 10 and 11-year-olds studied “The Starfish Poem” by Charles Dale Gray. It’s a short tale with a lasting message: Everyone can make a difference, even if it impacts only one.

“Positive reinforcement is my jam – that is what I feel kids respond to best,” says Lindsay Kolari. “So, I am always looking for ways to celebrate and emphasize the good.”

Every Friday during morning announcements, Lindsay Kolari selects a student as “Starfish Student” of the week. To recognize their achievement, their photo is taken with class mascot “Al the Alpaca” and shared with students and families. Students get a Starburst candy – for being a star – and keep the alpaca at their desk for the day.

In setting the tone for her class, Lindsay Kolari believes students play an important role in defining what is expected. Collectively, they determine how they impact the school with their behaviour, and develop rules they must follow as a unit. The teacher sets high expectations and the students set even higher expectations for themselves.

To maintain momentum, Lindsay Kolari developed an incentive program using a donut chart. Each time students “wow” her with positive behaviour, actions and achievements, a donut is added to the chart. With the box now filled, students recently enjoyed a sweet reward at their neighbourhood Tim Hortons.

“My students work really hard to make a difference,” says Lindsay Kolari. “They encourage one another to perform their best, and are discouraged when they don’t make the best choices.”

“Because of her relationship with her students, Lindsay Kolari is able to use intervention strategies, when necessary, to keep students engaged at a very high level,” says Principal Trevor Dewit. “She recognizes that building resilience is more important than ever, and uses the growth mindset toolbox to develop grit.”

Award-winning psychology instructor, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, explored five core traits that resilient people share. They include: belonging – being part of a community; perspective – how we interact with the world around us; acceptance – owning our own story; hope – training ourselves to lean into positivity; and humour – finding balance and moderation.

Lindsay Kolari exemplifies these traits by making her students feel included, understanding the impact of positive thoughts on learning, and helping students accept that hard work is necessary for success – in learning and in life.

She also encourages her students to see a bright future for themselves, and uses humour to model self-acceptance, self-confidence and empathy towards others.

“Even by adding a donut to a donut chart, Lindsay Kolari makes sure her students feel acknowledged, seen and loved,” says Principal Dewit. “She is a model of what we want our daring classrooms to look like, and it’s working.”

He adds: “I am very proud of staff at Algonquin Road Public School as we work collaboratively to create student-centered learning environments where personal and academic growth are the key to success.”

Algonquin Road Public School, home of the Tigers, is committed to student success one student at a time.

Learn more about Lindsay Kolari’s classroom adventures with a short video here:
https://bit.ly/algonquinstarfish

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Media Contact:

Trevor Dewit, Principal, Algonquin Road Public School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-522-3171