The Words That Shape Us

Teachers know that what we say to students matters. Recent neuroscientific research confirms just how powerful words can be. They can literally shape our brains, inviting us to create new mental concepts and influencing our emotional experiences. This book shares classroom-tested strategies and brain-changing teacher language that positively transforms how students think, feel, and achieve within their classroom communities and beyond. Includes curricular connections that help students explore and internalize these transformative words.

Lily Howard Scott is a social and emotional learning (SEL) coach. She teaches in the Continuing Professional Studies department at the Bank Street College of Education and provides professional development to teachers and school leaders around the country. Her work is centered on helping children navigate their inner lives, connect with each other, and imagine varied perspectives. Scott presents regularly at national conferences including CASEL’s SEL Exchange, the NCTE’s Annual Convention, and the Teach in Color Arts Integration/STEAM Conference, and her writing about the importance of a child-centered, holistic approach to teaching and learning has been published in Edutopia and the Washington Post. For nearly 10 years, she taught elementary school in both public and independent settings.