In this episode, we explore how to visually demonstrate that every individual strength and unique identity fits together to form a complete, interconnected, and thriving classroom community. It's about showing that every single student is an essential piece of our collective whole.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• For Visualizing Interconnectedness:

• Understand the "Puzzle Piece Identity Display" as a powerful metaphor for classroom community, where each unique piece is vital for the whole picture.

• Learn how to guide students in decorating their puzzle pieces to reflect their identity (interests, strengths, culture, dreams).

• Discover the impact of collaboratively assembling the puzzle, reinforcing that "No matter how small you are, you can make a difference."

For Fostering Empathy & Support:

• Explore how reflection discussions around the assembled puzzle encourage empathy and proactive support within the community (e.g., "How do we support each other's pieces?").

• Understand that "Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean," highlighting the strength in collective unity.

• For Holistic Development (Connection to Hill Model & SEL):

• See how this activity impacts the Hill Model's areas of student development: Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect, through self-affirmation, analyzing interdependence, practicing teamwork, and experiencing collective accomplishment.

• Learn how it's a powerhouse for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), enhancing self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

• For Impacting Learning (Connection to John Hattie):

• Discover how this collaborative task boosts Collective Teacher Efficacy and positively impacts the Classroom Climate.

• Understand how it strengthens Teacher-Student Relationships through shared purpose and visible interconnectedness.

• Reflect on Henry Ford's quote: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

In this episode, I mention:

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials

• "Puzzle Piece Identity Display" Activity

• John Hattie's Visible Learning research (Collective Teacher Efficacy, Classroom Climate, Teacher-Student Relationships)

• 🎧 Listen now and empower your students to see their vital role in your classroom community!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

Reflection Questions for Educators:

• How will I introduce the puzzle piece activity to emphasize the importance of every student's unique contribution?

• What strategies can I use to ensure all students feel their piece is valued and fits perfectly into the whole?

• How can I facilitate the assembly and reflection discussion to deepen understanding of interdependence and mutual support?

• Beyond Day 9, how will I continue to reinforce the idea that every student is an essential piece of our classroom puzzle?

Stay connected:

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we bring it all back to the individual with a creative twist. We dive into Day 8: Uniquely You Creative Snapshot, exploring how to celebrate the incredible individuality of each student through imaginative prompts and a special visual display that will grow with them throughout the year.

Key Takeaways:

• For Expressing Unique Identity:

• Understand the "Uniquely You" tree worksheet as a living, evolving self-portrait for students.

• Learn how to use imaginative prompts (e.g., "If you were a sound, what would you be and why?") to encourage deep self-reflection and creative expression.

• Discover how this activity, like the "Culture Hand," can be modified to be subject-specific (e.g., "My Scientist Tree," "My Mathematician Tree") and used throughout the year to track growth.

• For Celebrating Creativity & Authenticity:

• Explore how this activity allows students' "intelligence to have fun," echoing Albert Einstein's quote on creativity.

• Understand the power of publicly displaying these "Uniquely You" trees in the hallway or on the door to celebrate individuality and reinforce that "To be yourself... is the greatest accomplishment" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

• For Holistic Development (Connection to Hill Model & John Hattie):

• See how this activity impacts the Hill Model's five areas of student development: Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect.

• Learn how it aligns with John Hattie's Visible Learning research by boosting Self-Efficacy and Student Voice through public affirmation and diverse expression.

  In this episode I mention:

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials

• "Uniquely You" Tree Worksheet

• "Uniquely You Creative Snapshot" Prompt Cards

• Quotes from Albert Einstein and Ralph Waldo Emerson

• The Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)

• John Hattie's Visible Learning research (Self-Efficacy, Student Voice)

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• How can I introduce the "Uniquely You" tree to truly spark my students' imaginations and encourage authentic self-expression?

• Which of the creative prompts might resonate most with my students, and how can I support diverse responses?

• How will I use the "Uniquely You" tree as an ongoing tool for reflection and celebration throughout the year, perhaps connecting it to subject-specific growth?

• What steps can I take to ensure all students feel comfortable and celebrated when their unique work is displayed publicly?

  Stay connected:

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we move beyond superficial "get to know you" activities to genuinely deepen connection and shared understanding among your students. We dive into Day 7: Building Classroom Community, exploring how to create a classroom where students don't just sit next to each other, but truly know and support each other. As Helen Keller famously said, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

Key Takeaways:

• For Deeper Connections & Psychological Safety:

• Understand why true community building requires sustained, intentional opportunities for sharing, listening, and connecting.

• Learn how to facilitate impactful Community Circles or Pair-Shares using structured prompts and a "talking object" to ensure every voice is heard.

• Discover questions that invite vulnerability and foster genuine relationships (e.g., "What's something others might not know about you?").

• For Impacting Learning (Connection to John Hattie):

• Explore how strong Teacher-Student Relationships and rich Classroom Discussion are directly strengthened by these activities.

• Understand how a cohesive community contributes to high Collective Teacher Efficacy.

• Learn how co-creating a "Classroom Constitution" or "We Belong Here" poster aligns with Student Voice and Teacher Clarity.

• For Holistic Development (Connection to Gholdy Muhammad's Hill Model):

• See how intentional community building profoundly impacts the Hill Model's five areas of student development:

• Identity: Affirming individual place within the collective.

• Criticality: Analyzing and upholding collective well-being.

• Skills: Practicing active listening, empathy, and collaboration.

• Joy: Experiencing positive connection and shared purpose.

• Intellect: Engaging abstractly with social constructs.

  In this episode I mention:

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials

• Community Circles or Pair-Shares

• "Classroom Constitution" or "We Belong Here" poster

• John Hattie's Visible Learning research (Teacher-Student Relationships, Classroom Discussion, Collective Teacher Efficacy, Student Voice, Teacher Clarity)

• The Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)

• Quotes from Helen Keller and Phil Jackson

  Ready to take action?

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

  Reflection Questions:

• How can I consistently create opportunities for students to share and listen deeply in my classroom?

• What specific questions will I use to spark genuine connection during community circles or pair-shares?

• How will I involve my students in co-creating a "Classroom Constitution" that truly reflects their shared commitment to belonging?

• In what ways can I continue to nurture classroom community beyond Day 7 to support all five areas of the Hill Model?

  Stay Connected:

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Key Takeaways from this Episode:In this episode, I mention:Ready to take action?Reflection Questions for Educators:Stay connected:

We've reached the halfway point of our "First 10 Days" journey! In this episode, we explore how to make the invisible process of learning beautifully visible by launching your classroom's Growth Chain—a powerful tool for metacognition and shared growth.

Key Takeaways:

• For Making Learning Visible:

  • Understand the "Growth Chain" as a tangible, visual representation of individual and collective learning journeys.

  • Learn why giving students a visible way to track their growth boosts engagement and self-awareness.

  • Discover how to explain and model the creation of a concise, personal reflection link for the chain.

• For Fostering a Growth Mindset (Connection to John Hattie):

  • Explore how the Growth Chain directly taps into John Hattie's Visible Learning research, specifically:

    • Metacognitive Strategies: Students actively think about their own thinking and learning.

    • Formative Evaluation/Assessment: Each link serves as an ongoing self-assessment of progress.

    • Self-Reported Grades / Student Expectations: Seeing tangible growth significantly boosts self-efficacy.

    • Feedback: The chain provides continuous self-feedback and collective feedback.

  • Understand how this activity reinforces that "Growth is not an automatic process. It's a choice." (John C. Maxwell).

• For Building Community & Affirmation:

  • Learn tips for flexible expression (writing, drawing, symbols) to accommodate diverse learners.

  • Discover how adding links to the growing chain creates a powerful, visible symbol of shared progress and collective development.

In this episode, I mention:

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• Growth Chain Paper Strips: Pre-cut strips for student reflections.

• Growth Chain Prompt Cards: 12 different ideas to inspire student reflections.

• John C. Maxwell and John Hattie's Visible Learning research.

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

  Teacher Reflection Questions:

• How can I consistently integrate opportunities for students to reflect on their own growth?

• What specific prompts will best encourage metacognition in my students?

• How can I use the visible Growth Chain to celebrate individual and collective progress in my classroom?

• How might seeing their own growth impact my students' self-efficacy and motivation throughout the year?

  STAY CONNECTED:

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of words on identity and connection. We dive into Day 5: Belonging Through Words, discovering how choosing a personal "power word" and creating a collaborative "Belonging Wall" can beautifully personalize your classroom space and reinforce a collective sense of belonging.

• For Understanding the Power of Words:

• Reflect on quotes that highlight the lasting impact of words, both positive and negative.

• Understand how a single word can evoke feelings, represent beliefs, or describe aspirations.

• Learn why choosing a personal "power word" is an act of self-reflection and empowerment.

• For Creative Self-Expression:

• Discover various ways students can express the meaning of their chosen word: through art, poetry, journal entries, music, song, or dance.

• Explore how these diverse modes of expression tap into different intelligences and ensure all students can participate authentically.

• For Building a Living Classroom Display:

• Learn how to create a "Belonging Wall" – a dynamic, visual representation of your classroom's collective values and identities.

• Understand the importance of revisiting this wall at least once a quarter (or as needed) to reflect the evolving sense of belonging throughout the school year.

• See how each unique word contributes to the richness and strength of your classroom community.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• "My Word" Brainstorming Sheet: A printable sheet to help students select their power word.

• "Belonging Wall" Guidance: Tips and ideas for creating and maintaining this impactful display.

• Quotes on the Power of Words from Rachel Wolchin and KushandWizdom.

• 🎧 Listen now and inspire your students to find their power word!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• What "power word" resonates most with me for this school year, and why?

• How can I best support students who might struggle to choose a word or express its meaning creatively?

• What strategies will I use to make our "Belonging Wall" a truly living and revisited display throughout the year?

• How can I intentionally use the power of my own words to foster belonging and positive self-perception in my classroom daily?

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.

In this episode, we move from individual sparks to a collective flame. We dive into Day 4: Creating Norms Together, exploring how to transform initial brainstorms about respect, community, safety, and belonging into shared, actionable agreements that will guide your classroom throughout the year – a true collective promise.

• For Understanding Rules vs. Norms:

• Learn the crucial distinction: rules are often imposed, while norms are shared agreements collectively decided by the group.

• Understand why co-creating norms fosters greater student ownership, accountability, and a truly equitable community.

• Discover how norms are about the how – how we want to interact, learn, and feel together.

• For Co-Creating & Finalizing Norms:

• Explore strategies for reviewing and revising brainstormed norms, guiding students to create clear, positive, and actionable statements.

• Learn how to create a prominent "Class Norms Poster" and involve students in its design and "signing" to foster deep ownership.

• For Practicing Accountability & Revisitng Norms:

• Understand how to facilitate discussions about what it looks like to live by the norms and how to gently remind each other when a norm is forgotten.

• Discover the power of using sample role-play scenarios (e.g., talking over others, not sharing materials, disagreeing respectfully, off-task distractions, group exclusion, uneven workload) to practice navigating common classroom challenges.

• Learn why norms are "living documents" that should be revisited periodically to reflect the community's growth.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• "Class Norms Poster" Template: A large printable template for your collaborative classroom agreements.

• Role-Play Scenario Cards: Printable cards with various situations for students to practice applying norms.

• 🎧 Listen now and empower your students to build their own classroom promise!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• What's one key difference between "rules" and "norms" that I will emphasize with my students?

• How can I ensure every student's voice is heard and valued during the norm-creation process?

• Which role-play scenario might be most beneficial for my class to practice accountability?

• When and how will I plan to revisit our classroom norms throughout the school year?

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of student voice and storytelling. We dive into Day 3: Student Voice & Storytelling, discovering why inviting students to share their personal narratives is a powerful act of validation that strengthens empathy, fosters self-awareness, and builds deep community bonds.

• For Understanding the Power of Storytelling:

• Recognize why stories are fundamental to how we make meaning, connect, and build community in the classroom.

• Understand that inviting a student's story is an act of profound validation, telling them their experiences matter.

• Learn how sharing stories builds empathy, fosters self-awareness, and strengthens community bonds.

• For Implementing "My [Subject] Story":

• Discover how to use the "My [Subject] Story" mini-lesson to connect students' personal learning journeys to academic subjects.

• Learn the importance of modeling vulnerability by sharing your own "My [Subject] Story" (including challenges and triumphs).

• Explore scaffolding tools like sentence starters, mind maps, and graphic organizers to support all learners in drafting their stories.

• For Fostering Peer Connection & Feedback:

• Understand the value of pair-sharing as a low-stakes way for students to practice sharing and active listening.

• Learn how to encourage partners to ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding.

• Discover how a "Partner Feedback Form" can ensure positive, constructive feedback that highlights joy and connection.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• "Sharing Your Story" Mini-Lesson: Guidance and examples for teaching this activity.

• Story Scaffolding Handout: Printable tools like sentence starters and graphic organizers.

• Partner Feedback Form: A template for structured, positive peer feedback.

• 🎧 Listen now and empower your students to share their unique learning journeys!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• How can I create an even safer space for students to share their authentic learning stories?

• Which scaffolding tools will best support my students in articulating their "My [Subject] Story"?

• How will I model my own learning journey to encourage student vulnerability?

• What strategies will I use to ensure active listening and empathetic responses during peer sharing?

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.

In this episode, we move beyond first impressions to truly celebrate the unique identities each student brings to your classroom. We dive into Day 2: Identity & Belonging, exploring the "Culture Hand Activity" as a powerful visual handshake that helps every student feel seen, valued, and essential to the richness of your classroom community.

• For Unpacking Student Identity:

• Understand the "Culture Hand Activity" as a unique "visual handshake" to introduce student uniqueness.

• Learn how to guide students to represent five aspects of their identity (heritage, hobbies, talents, values, etc.) through drawing or writing on their hand outline.

• Discover how this activity moves beyond surface-level introductions to invite deeper self-reflection.

• For Fostering Connection & Growth:

• Recognize why seeing and sharing uniqueness reveals individual strengths and areas for growth.

• Explore strategies for facilitating small group sharing and whole-class reflection on the "Culture Hands."

• Learn how to guide discussions that highlight the "richness of identities and experiences" in your classroom, emphasizing the value each unique background brings.

• For Extending the Impact:

• Gain insight into several additional ways to use the "Culture Hand Activity" throughout the year (e.g., "My Learning Hand," "Our Class Hand," "Future Self Hand") to continue building community and exploring identity.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• The "Culture Hand Activity" Worksheet: A printable outline of a hand for students to use.

• 🎧 Listen now and empower your students to celebrate their unique selves!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• How will I introduce the "Culture Hand Activity" to ensure all students feel comfortable sharing their unique identities?

• What specific examples of "identity aspects" can I provide to inspire diverse student responses?

• How can I facilitate the sharing and reflection process to truly emphasize the richness of identities in my classroom?

• Which of the "Culture Hand" extension activities might I try later in the year to continue building community?

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.

Welcome to the very first episode of "First 10 Days: Building a Classroom of Belonging" from The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast! Join your host, Jocelynn Hubbard, as she kicks off a special Back to School series dedicated to creating a truly safe, affirming, and inclusive classroom environment from day one.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we explore the foundational steps to cultivating a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued from the moment they walk through your door. Discover how intentional greetings, modeling vulnerability, and co-creating classroom norms can transform your learning space and set a powerful tone for the entire school year.

• For Crafting a Welcoming Atmosphere: Learn the profound impact of personalized greetings at the door and how your open posture signals an inviting space.

• For Building Trust & Connection: Explore how sharing your own identity through an "I Am..." statement models vulnerability and humanizes you to your students, building immediate rapport.

• For Empowering Student Voice: Understand the crucial difference between imposed rules and co-created norms, and how involving students in defining respect, community, safety, and belonging fosters deep ownership and accountability.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• 🎧 Listen now and begin transforming your classroom culture!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.

This episode explores a powerful question posed by my six-year-old son: "When is Kid's Month?" This simple question sparks a deeper conversation about inclusion, representation, and the importance of valuing children's voices. Join me as I discuss how this question led to a critical examination of Women's History Month resources and a renewed commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that extends to everyone, regardless of age.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• For Principals:
• Foster a school-wide culture of inclusion that values all voices, regardless of age.
• Support teachers in creating culturally responsive and age-inclusive learning environments.
• Encourage the use of diverse resources that represent children and their contributions.
• For Teachers:
• Actively listen to and value children's perspectives.
• Incorporate children's experiences and contributions into your lessons.
• Audit your resources to ensure they are age-inclusive and reflect diverse experiences.
• Create a classroom environment where all children feel safe, seen and loved.

• For Students:
• Your voice matters! Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your ideas.
• Celebrate your own achievements and the achievements of your peers.
• Be kind and inclusive to everyone, regardless of their age or background.
• Learn about people who are different than you.

In this episode, I mention:

• "Women's History Month" resources – Available in my ⁠Teachers Pay Teachers store⁠.
• Blog Post - "Six Sensational Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month with Your Students"
• Additional learning resources in my ⁠Virtual Learning Library⁠.

Stay connected: Visit ⁠Custom Teaching Solutions⁠ for more resources, coaching, and professional development opportunities.