by Rachel Wells

 

Kids want to feel valued by others – including their classmates and teachers. You can help your students feel valued by getting to know them inside and out, taking time to focus on their strengths, and celebrating who they are. Your students may forget the things you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

 

Greet Your Students in the Morning

Wait outside your classroom door and greet each of your students by name as they enter the room. It doesn’t take much time or effort, but it sure means a lot.  Studies have shown that greeting students by name and with a positive affirmation substantially increases student engagement and on task behavior.

 

Ask Them Questions

Use the moments you have where you aren’t racing against the clock to connect with your students, ask them questions, and get to know who they are. Then when your students walk in the door, take time to ask specific questions about things you know about them.

Questions like:

• How did your basketball game go last night?
• Did you do anything fun for your sister’s birthday?
• Have you learned any new songs on the piano?
• Did you get a chance to see that movie this weekend?

 

Notice Their Strengths

Consistently hearing negative comments can seriously affect a child’s self-esteem, but pulling students aside and talking to them about their positive traits can boost it. Not only that but praising students on a regular basis improves their motivation and encourages engagement in the classroom.

 

Rephrase Your Students Wrong Answers

Learn the art of rephrasing incorrect answers instead of saying an answer is incorrect at the start. This shows your students that you’re listening to them and that you care about them, all while building confidence.

What can you do:

• Never say “no” or “wrong” after a student provides an incorrect answer.
• If a student gives an incorrect answer ask their thought process and why they thought what they did.
• When a student gives an incorrect answer, acknowledge their effort. A simple “thank you” can mean a lot even if you are continuing to ask others for the correct answer.
• After a student provides an incorrect answer encourage other students in the classroom to share their thoughts/answers too.
• Ask more open-ended questions for large group discussions and save single answer questions for small group times.

 

Showcase Their Work

Dedicate an area of your classroom to displaying student work. Be sure to give all students a chance to have their work on display at some point.

 

Create Classroom Traditions

Classroom traditions are a great way to build community and show students that you value them being there.

Some ideas:

• Mindful Monday where you take time at the end of the day to unwind with calm music and a calming activity.
• Weekly team quiz games.
• Extra recess trips outside on Fridays.
• Reading a class novel or audio book for fun at the end of the day.