Sticky Hope

By Ruth Ayres

Together we can make a world where all children grow mentally fit and cognitively strong. But what about the days—and there are many—when we feel completely, totally, and undeniably disheartened? The ... more

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FAQs about Sticky Hope:

How many episodes does Sticky Hope have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.

Sticky Hope episodes:

September 29, 202536 | Book Episode: Conversations About Being Left Out
Sometimes it is difficult for students to know how to get along with one another. They can exclude each other or be unkind. Sometimes a student makes a mistake and it's difficult to know how to forgive them and still be friends with them. We share two wordless picture books that will help navigate how to respond to these situations.
Takeaways
Wordless picture books can be powerful tools for teaching empathy.
Books like I Walk With Vanessa and I Forgive Alex help students understand social dynamics.
Narrating social situations allows students to reflect on their own experiences.
Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a supportive classroom environment.
Teachers can use these books to address real-life problems students face.
Students can learn to predict and problem-solve social situations through storytelling.
The books encourage students to think about their roles in social interactions.
Using wordless books helps students of all ages engage with complex social issues.
Links
I Walk With Vanessa: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
I Forgive Alex: LINK to YouTube read aloud video.
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17min
September 22, 202535 | A Simple Framework to Respond to Tricky Behaviors
Tricky behaviors happen in all classrooms. When we have a plan for how to respond, we are able to relax and focus our attention on the the act of teaching. We share a simple framework to respond to tricky behaviors. It is called the OWL Framework and it helps us stay rooted in connecting to students and keeping our attention on learning. This is Sticky Hope.
Takeaways
Tricky behavior is common in classrooms and requires proactive strategies.
The OWL framework helps manage behavior: Open to connection, Work to de-escalate, Return to learning.
Connection over correction fosters a supportive learning environment.
Teachers' biases can impact their interactions with students.
Proximity can help de-escalate situations.
Practicing regulation tools with students prepares them for moments of dysregulation.
Returning to learning quickly after de-escalation is crucial.
It's important to maintain a calm and kind demeanor in challenging situations.
The OWL framework is a practical tool for managing classroom behavior.
Download the O.W.L. Framework by clicking on this link: https://stickyhope.com/35-a-simple-framework-to-respond-to-tricky-behaviors/
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24min
September 08, 2025 34 | Remember Who You Are
As the newness of the school year wears off, we want to remember who we are, before we go on a quest to determine what to do with the tricky behaviors that are beginning to show up in our classrooms. When we know and commit to being the best versions of ourselves as teachers, then we can respond to tricky behaviors in compassionate and helpful ways.
Timeline
00:00 Back to School Strategies
02:30 Who Do You Want to Be as a Teacher?
05:40 Consistency in Teaching Identity
11:54 Building Community and Classroom Vision
13:54 Takeaways
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16min
August 25, 202533 | Consistency Matters: A "What's Happening" Sheet
Sometimes it feels like we're doing all of the things, but until we pay close enough attention to track behaviors we can be fooled by our brains. There are many empty promises when it comes to navigating tricky behaviors, but we know that trauma doesn't play fair. A first step to discovering how to nourish heatlhy regulation is to get an accurate understanding of the tricky behaviors happening in our classrooms. Use the "What's Happening?" sheet as a simple and quick baseline to begin a conversation about how to navigate the tricky behaviors popping up in all of our classrooms.
Timeline
00:00 Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle
02:47 Understanding Tricky Behaviors in Children
05:38 The Impact of Trauma on Behavior
08:12 Identifying Dysregulation in Children
10:42 Tracking Behaviors for Better Understanding
13:11 Takeaways
Takeaways
Understanding tricky behaviors requires a deeper analysis.
Trauma impacts behavior and requires thoughtful approaches.
Identifying dysregulation is key to supporting children.
Tracking behaviors helps demystify children's actions.
Teachers should not blame themselves for children's behaviors.
Patterns in behavior can guide effective interventions.
Slowing down to observe can lead to better insights.
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15min
August 18, 202532 | Identity + Habits of Learners
We take some time to consider how to nourish the identity of a learner within students, and then what habits we can encourage. We consider creative and tactile ways to help students accept the identity of a learner as part of a classroom vision or mission.
Timeline
00:00 Building Identities in Education
03:05 The Power of Self-Identity
05:34 Creating a Classroom Community
08:07 Art as a Tool for Identity
10:49 Navigating Tricky Behaviors with Compassion
12:23 Takeaways
Takeaways
Building identities in children is crucial for their learning.
Self-identity influences actions and habits.
Educators must reflect on their own identities.
Positive narratives can shift student perceptions.
Art can serve as a powerful tool for identity building.
Classroom charters help establish community values.
Compassion is key in addressing challenging behaviors.
Students' identities are shaped by peer perceptions.
Creating tangible reminders can reinforce classroom identity.
Navigating tricky behaviors is part of the teaching landscape.
Links
Choice Literacy Article: "Creating a Classroom Emotional Intelligence Charter" by Mandy Robek
NPR article: "Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain" by Malaka Gharib
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...more
15min
August 11, 202531 | Be In Awe
This season we are focused on the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the importance of awe -- that feeling of seeing a beautiful sunrise or when someone overcomes a trial -- and the way awe can help us stay grounded and calm. We also share ways to create a sense of belonging in our classroom communities.
Timeline
00:00 The Joy of Teaching and Belonging
03:00 Finding Awe in Challenging Moments
05:29 The Power of Perseverance and Resilience
08:08 Celebrating Passion and Curiosity in the Classroom
10:47 Creating a Belonging Bubble
13:31 Mindset Shifts for Positive Classroom Experiences
16:06 The Importance of an Awe Journal
17:02 Takeaways
Takeaways
Awe in learning can inspire both teachers and students.
Recognizing positive behaviors can shift our perspective on challenging moments.
Celebrating students' passions can enhance classroom dynamics.
Belonging is crucial for students, especially those from difficult backgrounds.
Teachers should strive to be enamored by their students' uniqueness.
Creating a culture of celebration can improve classroom behavior.
Reflection on awe can help teachers maintain a positive outlook.
An awe journal can serve as a reminder of joyful moments in teaching.
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19min
August 04, 202530 | Three (Unlikely) Books to Start the Year with Stephanie Affinito (Part 2)
This season we are focused on connection first and the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. One way to build connections is through books, so we decided to include a few book-ish episodes in our line up. Stephanie Affinito, host of the KidLit Love podcast offers three thoughtful and unexpected books to start the school year (and return to again and again).
Timeline
00:00. Book Recommendations for Educators
12:47 Exploring New Books for the Classroom
15:56. The Importance of Read-Alouds
Takeaways
Restorative reading and writing practices can enhance well-being.
New books can invigorate classroom communities.
Reading and writing can be tools for healing.
Community-building books are vital for the start of the school year.
Teachers should explore diverse literature for their classrooms.
Engaging with authors can deepen connections to books.
Restorative practices can transform teaching experiences.
Links
Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life
Sticky Hope Notes with helpful resources: Episode Link
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17min
July 28, 202529 | The Power of Restorative Reading with Stephanie Affinito (Part 1)
We are happy to welcome Stephanie Affinito to the podcast. Stephanie is a beautiful soul who wants to share the power of literacy to nourish healthy regulation. We discuss the power of reading and writing to help all of us -- educators and students -- to be healthy.

LINKS
Stephanie Affinito's website: A Lit Life
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31min
July 21, 202528 | School's Starting! Are You Ready?
This season we are focused on the power of connection to nourish healthy regulation. Episode 28 considers the mindsets we, as educators, can establish to have the stamina to teach. This is Sticky Hope.
Links
Make sure to follow us on Instagram! @sticky.hope
Here is an article from Cleveland Health about the impact of snoozing on your body.
If you don't get our Sticky Hope Notes in your inbox, sign up here!

Takeaways
Becca is transitioning to special education this year.
Emotional wellness is crucial for educators.
Establishing routines helps manage stress.
Avoiding the snooze button can improve mornings.
Teachers should prioritize eating during the school day.
Handwritten notes can enhance relationships.
Connection is a key theme for the new school year.
Intentional practices support teacher well-being.
Listeners are encouraged to share their routines.
...more
17min
June 30, 2025 27 | Taking Breaks
Taking breaks and having space is an important part of nourishing healthy regulation. We're talking about finding our own rhythms for breaks and how to help students discover the power of breaks.

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15min

FAQs about Sticky Hope:

How many episodes does Sticky Hope have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.