Love Builds Brains

By Marissa Campbell

Durham District School Board (DDSB) examines the role of connecting versus correcting as a key indicator of student success

On May 14, Dr. Jean Clinton, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University visited the Education Centre to discuss the crucial role relationship and connection play in student success.

During her keynote address, Dr. Clinton stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for students and fostering a sense of belonging. “What we know, and the evidence is huge, is that when kids have a sense of belonging and mattering, it plays a key role in student success.”

She challenged educators to think about their day-to-day interactions with students. “At the end of each day, did the students feel they mattered to you?” asked Dr. Clinton. “Did they feel that they belonged in your classroom? If not, what is it you can do to create that sense of connection?”

Steffanie Pelleboer, Mental Health Lead at DDSB played a crucial role in creating and implementing the board’s Well-Being and Mental Health Strategic Plan and agreed with Dr. Clinton.  “Our message in this whole new strategic plan is: How do we promote well-being and mental health for our students?” explains Pelleboer. “How do we create those foundational conditions where all kids can thrive?”

Making a difference

Dr. Clinton believes creating those foundational conditions start with a welcoming environment. “How do you create a sense of belonging and mattering?” asks Dr. Clinton. “When you welcome kids, it means saying hello; it means smiling; it means including them and asking how they’re doing, how is their family. We need to understand that kids come with complex problems. Walk inside the shoes of your students. A huge heart isn’t enough. We need to reach out and make a difference.”

Pelleboer agreed, adding, “The new plan helps increase awareness and literacy around mental health and supports classrooms and schools to have both the academic and psychological environment to help kids feel welcome and included.”

And the best way to help kids succeed is by making them feel connected with a sense of mattering and belonging, because according to Dr. Clinton, “Love builds brains.”