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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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There are several ways I try to make my students feel valued:
1. I listen to them, let them share their thoughts
2. I ask them hard questions about real things to make them think, expecting them to actually think and try to find answers
3. I tell them the truth as taught in God’s Word since it is the thing that will last for eternity along with God and men’s souls
4. I expect students to learn and to take responsibility for their own learning by participating in the learning process
5. I don’t give up on students, even those that are really struggling. I believe God has a purpose for every person, and I try to convey that truth to my students. -
Teaching is not only sharing it is also listening. Listening to my students provides me an insight as to what they are going through, and what questions they have. I encourage them by using scripture that is according to their specific situation or question. They feel valued and understand they are part of Gods design.
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Feeling connected is important. We don’t always know which students have had a rough morning before school, or what is going on in their lives. When my middle school students arrive each morning I make sure to greet them by name. I make myself available during the 15 minutes before course for students to come talk to me about personal things such as moving, or a death in the family, or a championship win. The most important thing I do that lets my students know I value them is take prayer requests after pledges. Often, this is when students will allow themselves to be vulnerable to not only me, but to he course, as they let us know important things going on in their lives. They feel safe sharing in that atmosphere, both good and bad things going on, they know that I care about them, and they know that God cares and listens and that He can intervene and change outcomes. This personal connection early in the day also gives me a heads up about issues students are facing that may affect their day.
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I try to let the students know that I care about them. I will greet them in the hallway as they come into course. I ask about their families and interests. Students have invited me to come see them play in a band, a theater troupe, and sport event; I go to show that I support them. I respect them and will listen to their concerns and hopes and help them find their way.
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I make sure I show all of my students how much they are loved. I also try my best to help them succeed in all areas of life possible. I let them know that they can and will do great things. I don’t ever want my students to feel unloved or not good enough. Even the toughest students can be successful with the right guidance.
