Monday, October 22, 2012
Strategies for talking with students
The three things that have worked best for me when talking with students are 1) get on their level physically 2) get on their level socially 3) get on their level emotionally. I have found that no matter what the topic is, if I make myself at eye level with the kids they are both more open with me and more willing to make eye contact with me. Whether the topic is academic or just trying to make a connection with the student, I find that being at eye level makes them more comfortable with me (especially since I'm a giant in comparison!) The first real conversation I had with my students was talking about mariokart on the wii. I believe that when I talk about things that interest them, we create a bond. This bond it what allows them to talk to me about concerns, they trust me. The final strategy I use is to meet them at where they are emotionally. When kids are upset their feelings are valid. Acknowledging hurt feelings, frustration, or boredom before I move onto what I would like for them to do allows my students to relax and it reminds them that at the end of the day we are on the same team.
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So in relation to the prompt for Monday, "List three ways you have learned to build relationships with students", it sounds like you think talking with them is key. I agree that your physical behavior while interacting with kids is an important part of making them feel comfortable and listened to. I'll look to see you "getting on their level" when I visit next week. And certainly, kids don't care what you know until they know you care, so finding ways to talk with them informally about their interests, concerns and questions is a surefire way to build relationships.
ReplyDeleteAre there other less obvious ways that you build relationships with your first graders? Think about the way your room is organized, how you sequence a lesson, and your response to their work . . . what do you think?