Fundamental to teaching and learning is understanding where students are at when they walk in the door. That isn't limited to their current academic skills. It also requires looking at their social emotional skills such as associations to school and each subject, self confidence, perseverance, and stamina. Building the foundation for a supportive, strengths oriented classroom requires time to get to know each student and what they can do. It also necessitates having high expectations, encouraging students to persevere and focus on progress. Over the years, our classrooms have gotten larger and often the span of academic levels is quite broad. In this environment it is even more important to focus on a growth mindset, resourcefulness and independence, embracing challenges and learning from mistakes. This focus creates an community of learners that sees academic and social emotional differences as natural and normal. As a community, we can support and encourage learning every day with every child.