Smile.
Listen.
Listen to the student voices.
Connect with your students.
Attend their birthday parties and sports events.
Let them know you care. (They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.)
These phrases, and many more, are ones that we hear in our teacher prep and credential programs. These phrases are ones we continually hear for those who are just starting their careers and those well into their careers. These phrases are true no matter how long you've been teaching. The connections we make with our students, no matter how insignificant it may seem to us, means the world to them.
I received a message today that is an amazing example of how the power of the connections we form with our students. The following is a message through a Google Hangout message from one of my fifth graders from last year.
Needless to say, it really filled my bucket!
Build community.
Smile.
Listen.
Listen to the student voices.
Connect with your students.
Attend their birthday parties and sports events.
Let them know you care. (They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.)
I challenge you to share your contact information with your students. They may or may not contact you, BUT if/when they do, you'll be amazed by their message.