Hey y’all! I am Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop in Houston, Texas. I am so honored and blessed to be invited to write a post for Ms. Rachel Lynette! I have always adored her, and today I feel such joy!
So, as we all are heading back to school this time of year, we have millions of things on our minds. Right? Things ranging from setting up our classrooms to making sure we have enough school supplies to meet our students’ needs. Some of the most important thoughts, such as, “Growing Relationships with Our Students,” slip our minds. It’s not because we don’t care (we are teachers, so we care a lot); it’s because we assume we will get there.
I have noticed through my 10+ years in education that these relationships are extremely important. They are the foundation to all the learning that occurs in the classroom. No matter how much you truly pour your heart into the perfect classroom and perfect lessons, it won’t matter if YOU don’t build those strong relationships with EVERY child.
Today, I wanted to share some tools that I have used and that have worked for me. I know some of these may not work for everyone, and I know we ALL LOVE and CARE for our students tremendously, or we wouldn’t do what we do. This job is far more rewarding than those paychecks we receive. The memories and LOVE we share are our blessings as teachers! I will try to remember that when I am feeling a little burnt out come April/May! (giggle)
WELCOME
On the first day of school, always welcome your students into your classroom. You should portray an inviting environment. I would stand near the front of the door ready to greet with a high five, a hug, or just a pat on the back. Sometimes a kid or two would sneak in and I wouldn’t spot them, but they knew the rule…they had to come over and say, “Good morning,” or “Hello,” before we got started.
These welcoming gestures help the students feel like they belong. Understandably, there are times when we as teachers are unable to greet each and every student individually, but when you are physically able to be there, BE THERE! Imagine walking into a friend’s house for the first time, and they don’t welcome you. How do you feel? I truly believe this is something that should occur in every classroom. Don’t you see how being inviting is helping build that relationship?
GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENTS
Tip #2 is getting to know your students. I know many teachers pass out those lovely Back to School packets, and we plan on reading every detail that kids want to share with us! However, isn’t it much better to talk to them and get to know each of them personally? I had 45-48 students, and I knew it would take me a bit longer to get to know each and every one.
I set a goal, though. My goal was to learn one important thing about each and every child within the first week of school. Luckily, my school district assesses academics second week. I always use this time to gain important insight into not only their academic abilities but also their personalities. I ask them personal questions, trying to make connections with them. It was fun, because that made them feel comfortable, and then we built that connection.
CONNECTIONS
Tagging along behind Tip #2 is making connections with your students. I would listen to them. I could tell you one thing about each and every child I have taught over the last 10 years, and that is all because of the connections we built. I would not only listen to them, but I would also genuinely show interest in what they told me. I would laugh at their funny stories and show sorrow during their moments of sadness.
You have to remember: You are part of their life throughout this important year of school! It is a gift to have these students trust you, and therefore, you must cherish it. I loved when a parent would email me and tell me how their child talked about me all night at dinner. The parents knew they were in good hands. It made me realize, “Wow… It’s working.” We are all connected! This is such a simple tip but a good, lasting one.
PROTECT
This tip is very important. As teachers, we have our moments where we feel our world is crumbling, and our lessons are not working. And then, the kiddo that likes to ACT silly does it right as your principal walks in to do an observation on you. Oh my! It’s like they have a radar that beckons them to come into your room on the worst day ever!
It would be EASY to lose it, to yell at the kid and embarrass him/her in front of everyone. Right? But NO. You are the adult. As hard as it is sometimes, we must step aside and remember that they are kids. Sometimes they don’t understand the teacher’s perspective on the situation. So, it is best to speak to each child privately and PROTECT his/her feelings. Many times students act up because of other issues, and you embarrassing them will not help or fix anything! Protect them, and they will see it. Their behavior will change through time. When you show respect to them, you earn their respect! It’s funny, but it works. My favorite thing someone once told me is, “To earn respect and love, you must show it first.” So, as a teacher, I follow this rule. My GOLDEN RULE!
FAMILY
You can ask each child or parent that I have ever taught, “Did Mrs. Ortiz love you?” Each one would say “YES!” I know they would, because I made sure they knew it! I told them we were a family, a team! We were going to be spending a lot of time together, learning and having fun, so we were a family. Yes, I would tell them there are times in your life when your family gets on your nerves, but at the end of the day, you LOVE them. The nice thing about families is that when one family member has as a bad day, the rest of the family members give them a start over the next day.
I think it is very important to let your students know you love them and to care for them like they are your own kids. I am an elementary school teacher with three kids of my own, and I know at the end of the day, they want my hugs, my kisses, and my LOVE! Build that family within your classroom. It will be the best thing you ever did!
Here is a fun Back to School Flip Booklet that you can use to get to know your students. I love that it is a different and fun way to get to know them. You can click on the link to preview and purchase, if you would like. My goal as a teacher is to work smarter and make things easier; hopefully this tool does both for you.
Blessings to you on your adventures this school year! If you ever need any resources, feel free to contact me at The Little Ladybug Shop.
Jacqueline Ortiz, M. Ed., lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Andrew, and three kiddos {Jonah, Noah, and Helena – the Little Ladybug}. She has 10 years of teaching experience in grades 2-5 in Language Arts, Reading, and Dyslexia. Jacqueline joined Teachers Pay Teachers this past January as a Teacher-Author. She works with students throughout the area that struggle in Reading, Writing, and Dyslexia. You can visit her on her blog, which is linked above.