The Language of Relationships for Learning

Promoting healthy relationships in school requires a whole community commitment to developing a language for learning. Drawing on experiences of teaching in a range of international contexts, this chapter considers the importance of developing the language, alongside emotional and self-awareness skills, that both teachers and students need for self-motivated learning. The chapter explores three key themes: relationships, regulation and identity. Each theme is linked to one of three scenarios introduced at the beginning of the chapter that prompt the teacher to consider the importance of the language we use in different contexts across the school day. International case studies, including emotion coaching in Turkey, illustrate how language can strengthen relationships in a range of classroom contexts. The chapter finishes with a reflection on actions for language development linked to the three themes.