60 Ways to Connect with Your Students

cc flickr photo by azjd

Coming to school each day can become a hopeless task for some children unless they succeed at what they do. We teachers are the sentries against that hopelessness.  ~ Robert DeBruyn

If you know me, or you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I have a passion for working with challenging students, and that I place an extremely high degree of importance on the “human element” of the education profession.  I certainly do not discount the value of content knowledge, but I am a true believer in the power of educators to build hope in those students who may have lost it, and generate the sparks that ignite the flames of lifelong learners. 

In order to do that, it is imperative that we know our students (see We Need to Know), and do everything within our power to develop meaningful connections.  This doesn’t have to be an elaborate, or time consuming process.  In fact, it is often the the little things that have the most significant impact.  Here is a list of sixty ideas to get you started on the road to building strong connections with your students (in no particular order).

1. Learn their names
2. Call them by their name...every chance you get
3. Leave a positive message on voicemail (so the parent, and the student can listen)
4. Ask them to help with something in the classroom, or run an errand
5. Call on them when you know they have the answer
6. Smile frequently
7. Take an interest in the little things - “I notice that you…”
8. Write a note of encouragement
9. Eat lunch with them
10. Attend an event in which they are participating (i.e. concert, athletics, etc.)
11. Post-It note positivity -- drop a note on as their desk (a smiley face, “great job,” etc.)
12. Sponsor a club, or extracurricular activity
13. Share about yourself
14. Show appreciation - say “thank you” and “please”
15. Involve them in classroom decision making
16. Laugh with them
17. Be willing to laugh at yourself
18. Spend time outside of your classroom before, during, and after school
19. Heap on the praise and encouragement
20. Call home when a they are absent -- let them know you are concerned, and that they are missed
21. Give up some control (I know...that makes you nervous)
22. Find ways to let them see that they can make a difference
23. Give them opportunities to pursue their personal interests
24. Admit your mistakes
25. Tell them “I’m sorry,” when it’s called for
26. Demonstrate empathy and compassion
27. Learn about your their home/family situation
28. Share your frustrations, and model how to handle them appropriately
29. Keep Jolly Ranchers on hand (I know...it’s a bribe...but it can be a conversation starter)
30. Point out, and celebrate, small victories
31. Help them set attainable goals
32. Go out of your way to give them a quick hello -- when they aren’t in your class
33. Greet students at your classroom door
34. Say, “I believe in you. I know you can do it.”
35. Have high expectations, and back it up with a high level of support
36. Build grit -- tell them to “keep trying”
37. Be patient
38. Be persistent
39. Show grace
40. Model respectful interactions
41. Give a sincere compliment
42. Ask them about their weekend
43. Intentionally plan for opportunities for them to experience success (write it in a lesson plan)
44. Address concerns in a way that maintains their dignity
45. Say, “You are someone. You are going places.”
46. Recognize when students are having a tough day, and give them a break - it happens to all of us
47. Hold them accountable for what they say they will do
48. Follow through on what you say you will do
49. Give meaningful feedback
50. Praise effort
51. Don't make assumptions (or Assume the Best)
52. Make relationships a priority
53. Tell students you are proud of them
54. Slow down, be present, listen
55. High fives, fist bumps and handshakes
56. Stay away from your desk, or out of the office
57. Be an advocate
58. Find something you have in common
59. Talk about their future as a definitive - “When you get to high school…”, etc.
60. Tell students, “you matter!"

I challenge you to pick two, or three, of these ideas from the list and be intentional about putting them into practice on a daily basis. Continue to add to your strategies throughout the school year. If something isn’t working, try something else.

If you have other suggestions for building connections, please add them in the comments. I would love to hear your ideas and add to this list!

You are a Difference Maker!

This post is from the archives of my Molehills out of Mountains blog.  It is a brief message written to our staff, last year, in anticipation of our first day of school.  Thought some might find it  useful as the new school year starts-up.

cc flickr photo by Krissy.Venosdale

As we prepare for the arrival of our students, I hope you will take a few quiet moments to put aside lesson plans, forget about administrative tasks, and consider our purpose (as a school, and as individual educators): we must attend to the academic, social and emotional needs of each one of our students.  Our educational system asks a lot of teachers, and unfortunately, in times when we are spread too "thin," it is difficult to maintain our focus on the best interest of kids.  That is why it is so critical that we take time for reflection, deliberately considering how we maintain student centered practices on our campus and in our classrooms.

When our students walk through the front gates on Monday morning, please remember that you are a difference maker!  The small gestures you make to welcome students, and demonstrate an interest in their lives, will have an impact.  There is tremendous power in a smile, a handshake, or an encouraging word.  In the coming year, you will have opportunities to build confidence where it hasn't existed, develop connections that have never been present, and generate hope for students who's academic careers have been marred by hopelessness.  All of these are truly super powers!During yesterday's training, the presenters shared the following quote - a powerful reminder of our ability to make a difference (either positive, or negative).

I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.  It’s my daily mood that makes the weather.  As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous.  I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.  I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.  In all situations, it is my response that decides whether crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.  ~ Haim Ginot

You should all be proud of the profession you have chosen, the hard work you do on behalf of our students, and the determination with which you address challenges.  In the first few days/weeks of school I challenge you to really get to know your students, share a little about yourself, develop meaningful connections, and make decisions based upon what is best for kids.  Thank you for all you do for our school community...your efforts are noticed, and appreciated!

Purpose through Passion

cc flickr photo by azjd14

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success.  When you do a thing, do it with all your might.  Put your soul into it.  Stamp it with your own personality.  Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object.  Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today I had the opportunity to spend time in a passionate educator's classroom.  I witnessed the teacher's enthusiasm, and energy, translate to student engagement, collaboration and critical thinking.  As I watched the kids working, I considered how fortunate we are, as educators, to work in a profession where we have the opportunity to touch lives, and be difference makers, on a daily basis.  

You certainly don't have to be an educator to understand the role that passions play in our feelings of worth, and purpose.  Consider the following piece about Izzy Paskowitz, a former professional surfer, who -- due to life circumstances -- found a new reason to pursue the sport he loves.  It is a powerful story of finding purpose in a personal passion.

Surfers Healing_the Izzy Paskowitz Story from Gabriel Noble_TRU FILMS on Vimeo.

As we return to our classrooms, welcome students to our buildings, and settle into our daily routines I would suggest that we would be well advised to heed the advice of Emerson -- "be active, be energetic, and be faithful."  Our efforts, and enthusiasm, might be what our students need to discover their own passions...and, perhaps, even purpose.  In the words, of Howard Thurman:

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.