
Maggie’s Legacy Glossary of Terms
1. Tentacles of Obligation
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Definition: A framework used to describe the emotional and psychological forces that draw individuals into disruptive interactions.
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Explanation: Symbolizes how people can involuntarily be “sucked” into confrontations or conflicts, similar to the suction of an octopus’s tentacles.
2. Relational Language
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Definition: A form of communication driven by empathy, respect, and appreciation.
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Explanation: Often referred to as “want-to” language, it fosters collaboration and positive interactions through intrinsic motivation.
3. Transactional Language
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Definition: A form of communication driven by necessity, entitlement, or resistance.
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Explanation: Known as “have-to” language, it often leads to deflection, negotiation, or avoidance, typically manifesting in disruptive behavior.
4. Spidey Sense (Sense of Obligation)
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Definition: The subconscious feeling or gut reaction that alerts an individual to unease in a situation.
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Explanation: Acts as an early-warning system, prompting assessment and response to potential conflicts.
5. Predict, Prevent, Protect
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Definition: A proactive strategy that helps educators and individuals identify early signs of disruption and intervene before escalation.
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Explanation: Emphasizes foresight, standard setting, and preemptive action to maintain stability in interactions.
6. Emotional Entanglement
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Definition: The blending of personal emotions with professional responsibilities, leading to burnout or ineffective conflict resolution.
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Explanation: Teachers may feel overly invested in solving student issues, which can impact objectivity and well-being.
7. Hidden (Unwritten) Rules
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Definition: Social norms and expectations that influence behavior in specific environments, often unconsciously.
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Explanation: These dictate how individuals act based on context without being explicitly communicated.
8. Want-To Obligation
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Definition: A sense of duty or action driven by intrinsic motivation and willingness.
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Explanation: Reflects positive engagement where individuals voluntarily contribute, rooted in relational language.
9. Have-To Obligation
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Definition: A sense of duty or action driven by external pressure, necessity, or fear of consequences.
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Explanation: Reflects reluctance and resistance, often rooted in transactional language.
10. Classroom Dynamics
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Definition: The interplay of relationships, communication, and behaviors that shape the learning environment.
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Explanation: Healthy dynamics foster engagement, while disrupted dynamics hinder learning and teaching effectiveness.
11. Emotional Standards
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Definition: Limits set to protect one’s emotional well-being while interacting with others.
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Explanation: Helps teachers maintain professionalism by separating personal emotions from disruptive situations.
12. Disruptive Interaction
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Definition: A behavioral interruption that challenges the natural flow of teaching and learning.
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Explanation: Can stem from resistance, disengagement, or environmental factors.
13. De-escalation
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Definition: The process of calming a tense or disruptive situation to restore order.
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Explanation: Teachers use relational language and empathy to reduce conflict without further escalation.
14. Professional Capacity
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Definition: The ability of educators to maintain authority, resilience, and effectiveness in managing classroom environments.
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Explanation: Maggie’s Legacy strengthens this capacity by offering practical tools for classroom management.
15. Relational Intent
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Definition: The conscious decision to approach situations with empathy, understanding, and a focus on positive engagement.
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Explanation: Supports classroom cohesion and encourages mutual respect between students and teachers.
16. Resistance Language
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Definition: Communication that reflects avoidance, excuses, or negotiation to escape responsibility.
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Explanation: Common in transactional interactions, often seen when students resist tasks or obligations.
17. Classroom Bunker
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Definition: A metaphorical safe space where teachers establish standards and protect the learning environment from disruptions.
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Explanation: Represents the controlled, respectful atmosphere created to shield classrooms from conflict.
18. Escalation
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Definition: The intensification of a disruptive interaction that increases tension and conflict.
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Explanation: Often follows unresolved disruptions, impacting the broader learning environment.
19. Mutual Respect
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Definition: Recognition of the value and dignity of others, fostering healthy relationships and cooperation.
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Explanation: Forms the foundation of relational language and effective classroom management.