The four pillars of trust.

Slide outline

1. The pillars of relational trust

   • Each small block is an everyday interaction.
   • Build the respect pillar.
   • Add personal care.
   • Add competence.
   • Add integrity.
   • Set relational trust across all four pillars.
   • “We belong here.”
2. Respect · Does my voice matter to you?

   • Does my voice matter to you?
   • Child: “I see it differently.”
   • Teacher: “Tell me how you see it.”
   • Listen carefully. Take their views seriously. Protect their dignity.
3. Respect in practice · Three school moments

   • Think of your own class.
   • An unexpected answer: listen to their reasoning before correcting.
   • A disruption: correct the behaviour without public humiliation.
   • A quiet child: include them without forcing a public answer.
4. Personal Care · Do you care about me?

   • Do you care about me?
   • Child: “I wasn’t here last week.”
   • Teacher: “We missed you. How are you?”
   • Notice the child. Remember what matters. Follow up.
5. Personal Care in practice · Three school moments

   • Think of your own class.
   • Back after an absence: welcome them back and help them catch up.
   • They mention a school concert: remember it and ask how it went next Sunday.
   • Standing alone before class: invite them into a group; stay until they settle.
6. Competence · Can I rely on you to help me learn?

   • Can I rely on you to help me learn?
   • Child: “I still don’t understand.”
   • Teacher: “Let’s try a different way.”
   • Prepare well. Explain clearly. Check understanding.
7. Competence in practice · Three school moments

   • Think of your own class.
   • A new lesson: prepare one clear idea and an activity suited to their age.
   • Still puzzled: try a story, picture or object to explain it another way.
   • A chorus of “yes”: ask them to explain the idea in their own words.
8. Integrity · Do your actions match your words?

   • Do your actions match your words?
   • Child: “You said you’d find out.”
   • Teacher: “I checked. Let me show you.”
   • Keep your word. Be fair. Own your mistakes.
9. Integrity in practice · Three school moments

   • Think of your own class.
   • You promised an answer: check a reliable source; bring the answer next Sunday.
   • You spoke impatiently: apologise to the child; say what you will do differently.
   • The same rule, two children: apply the same expectations, with support for each child.
10. At the child’s level

    • Respect: I see you.
    • Personal care: I meet you where you are.
    • Competence: I stay with you.
    • Integrity: I help you take the next step.