As a teacher, I am always looking for new ways to encourage, inspire, and engage my students. Some are harder to reach and connect with than others. What is one piece of advice you would give to an elementary aged student to help them to aspire to do great things?
Although I teach high school, I do think one of the biggest relationship builders is giving students classroom jobs. Feeling needed in a role, appreciated and missed when gone gives students a self awareness that they might not get at home. I also feel like after a period of time where they start to notice their self worth, they then start to appreciate you as the teacher and begin to open up. Then that is where you swoop in and make a difference!
ReplyDeleteI agree. In elementary school, I was a member of the chalkboard eraser cleanup crew.
DeleteWhat makes this a tough question is that every situation is different, but you would be floored by how many times I'll run into people in my hometown that had my mom as their teacher and they'll tell me how much they miss her. Most of them say "she was tough, but she loved us, and she believed we could do anything." Believe in your students. Challenge them. And hold them to a high standard. Even the young children.
ReplyDeleteTo an elementary aged student, I would encourage them to be the best they can be, without comparing them-self to others around them. I would let them know that we all grow and learn at different rates and we all have different strengths and weaknesses. I would challenge them to try new things and explore their interests. Lastly, I would let them know how much their efforts are recognized and appreciated!
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