Hello Friends,
Welcome to my second post; this is cause for celebration! I plan on celebrating with you today by sharing my reflection on my years in the classroom. As the school year is upon us, I am particularly thankful to have the ability to apply the following two tips (yes, only two) for fostering meaningful student/teacher relationships in the classroom.
Before I elaborate on these tips, I’d like to add that my inspiration comes from performing James F. Hanley’s “Zing Went the Strings of my Heart” which was made popular by Judy Garland. This is by far one of my favorite tunes to perform with Straight Ahead. Moreover, what better way to explain how your heart feels when it has been captured—Zing!!! (Please listen to the audio for more of an understanding of the brilliance of this tune; or simply continue with the two steps, below):
More about fostering meaningful relationships:
If you are an educator, you have already learned that students will not be (as) driven if there is no personal connection or investment in the class. I usually see this when a student has a more preferable subject area. In this case, I continue to share my content and teach according to the standards/objectives for the school year; however, in my earlier teaching years, I was not yet conscientious that I was able to create a plan to assist students with having more of a connection and being more personally invested in the class. Today, I understand how imperative it is to connect with students beyond the standards/objectives of the course, even when one feels that “English is not my subject.” I’ve shared only two tips because these are the areas where I’ve been able to make the most meaningful connections throughout the years.
The following is my approach to fostering more meaningful relationships in the classroom and getting to the point where “Zing Went the Strings of my Heart” for each student:
- Consultation
Consultation is a designated time when a student and teacher will meet to discuss matters of the classroom (and/or beyond). These matters might relate to differentiated instruction, further assistance/guidance with an assignment, grade checks, or an informal chat.
Consultation is designated for that particular student and teacher to connect beyond the dynamic of the classroom. This connection is an opportunity for confidence building and trust for both the teacher and student because the teacher will have a more focused idea of what the student needs and how he or she can meet those needs. On the other hand, the student can feel more confident in his or her own space, with the teacher, rather than asking questions which he or she may otherwise feel uncomfortable to ask in the classroom environment.
Overall, scheduling a consultation is a sure way to foster more of a student/teacher connection due to privilege of having one on one interaction.
- Classroom Discussions
Now this area is no doubt my favorite way to learn about my students and how they think in relation to the texts we are reading or in general ways. I have learned a wealth of information about my students’ personal lives and their views of the world at large through discussion. The most interesting aspects of discussion is when the focus veers away from the actual topic. For example, we might be discussing Richard’s Wright’s plight as a writer and memoirist and eventually end up on a topic about the presidency and how students are affected by the current administration. Yes! Seriously. We discuss these topics in my class. We also discuss music and hobbies that are meaningful to my students.
Overall, classroom discussions are an excellent way to remain on topic or veer away from it in order to learn more about the individuals in the classroom.
Consultation and discussions continue to be the ways in which I draw closer connections to my students. In addition to these two approaches, I also include literature and activities relatable to students (more about this in my future posts).
I’m looking forward to learning about your approach(es) to more meaningful connections in the classroom. Additionally, if you have any questions about discussions or consultations, you are welcomed to ask. Please share in the comment box below.