Why is this important? Have you ever been in a new environment? How did you feel? What made you feel better about being there? Most likely those same things are going to help your students feel better about being there. I wanted to share a few suggestions I have incorporated into my teaching over the past few years.
1. Meet your students at the door, look into their eyes and greet them with genuine expression that you are glad they are there that day. Not only on the first day of school, but every day.
2. Smile all day long. I know this sounds silly and I really didn't realize the importance of smiling until one of my students taught me my first year. I had just started the class on an assignment and was walking around the room making sure everyone was on task and seeing if anyone needed help when PJ popped up and announced to the class, "I'm so glad we have Mrs. Schneider. She smiles a lot." How can you get onto a kid for saying something like that? From that day on, in the middle of my worst days, I would remember what PJ said and while I often felt like giving up or sending them all to Time Out, instead I would smile. I don't know what magical powers a smile has, but don't underestimate it! Your day will get better.
3. Play games. Playing games not only provides you with opportunities to teach teamwork and good sportsmanship, but it's fun, motivating, and helps students learn. Read my previous blogs on Playing Games in the Classroom Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 for more ideas.
4. Listen and Remember. I know this is especially hard with high school teachers as they may have 100 + students every day, but try. If a student is willing to share there feelings with you, there is a reason. No, you're not there to be there friend, but if you want your students to listen to you, you need to make time to listen to them. Which leads into my next suggestion.
5. If you want respect from your students, you must first show your students respect. Children come from all different types of households. Sadly, they don't always come from one that has demonstrated what respect is to them or to other family members. Respect is not something that comes to children naturally.They may never know, unless you teach them. Model respect by the way you talk to them, by the way you treat them, by the way you give them privileges, and in every interaction you have with them. Are you going to do this perfectly? No, so model when you make a mistake how to ask for forgiveness.
6. Mistakes happen. Show your students that you make mistakes. Let them know that they will make mistakes and while mistakes often have consequences whether your the teacher or the student, you will work with them to help them improve next time.
7. No Bullying! Up front, make it well known that bullying behavior is not tolerated. Now, that said, "kids will be kids' and they are going to be mean occasionally. Should a first grade student receive in school suspension because she tells another girl, "I'm not going to invite you to my birthday party," because they can't agree on something silly? In my opinion, No! Others may disagree, but I feel consequences should be natural and connected to a students behavior if possible. If this student was in my class and I overheard this, I would pull both students aside. I would have them talk about what the underlying issue is and help be a mediator to guide them to a resolution if possible. Then, I would talk to the student that made this comment. I would have the student explain why this comment was made, how the student thought that made the other child feel, and why the student wanted the child to feel that way. I would say, that because the student tried to make the child feel this way, she was going to miss out on an experience that we were having in the class, so she will remember this feeling next time she thinks about commenting that way. Of course, you have to follow your school policies, but have some common sense. I have seen way too many unreasonable punishments for children. They're children! Punishment does not solve issues. Teach them respect.
8. Do not show favoritism. I know no one will admit to this, but it happens. It happens even if you may not be aware of it. Watch yourself carefully. Are you calling on a particular student often? Are you avoiding a certain student? Are you more forgiving to some students, but not others? Be honest with yourself.
9. Their learning is important. Show them you care what they want to learn and how they want to learn. Work hard to try to teach in a way that makes what is being learned relevant for each student. I didn't way it is easy, but it is possible.
10. Personally, I'm against those "ice breaker" activities. I know how I feel as soon as someone mentions that I'm going to have to do one and I don't know about you, but I don't learn any names or important information about people that way. I have a feeling my students feel the same way. Create real experiences where students can take time to get to know each other through games and activities you set up for a purpose in your class. Start off with just grouping 2 students together when they work. It's easier to get to know just one person at a time.
I hope you got an idea to implement in your classroom that will help you build a strong relationship with your students, which will allow you to teach them more effectively this year. If you have any ideas that are successful in your classroom, please share them in the comments section below.
Happy teaching this year!
Teacher Jen
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