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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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I want them to feel heard, seen and understood – that they are real to me. They are not just a warm body in a chair or means to a paycheck, but they WHY I am there! I am invested in who they are and who they are becoming!
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My students feel valued because I acknowledge their existence with giving them eye contact and a smile every morning. If they are absent I give them a hug and say I missed you. I listen to them when they want to share or show me something. If a student is shy or is having a hard time expressing their thoughts, I wait and encourage them to express what they wanted to share through writing, pictures or at another time. I notice their reactions and make compliments, comments, or correct them. I spend time with them in and outside of course to learn what they value. In course, I meet my students where they are at academically and push them to reach their potential. Finally, I share the gospel with my students. They might not feel valued at the time because they are only 6 or 7 years old, but I believe that when they are older, they will appreciate that I spoke the truth according to the scriptures. He that loves you the most tells you the truth. (Proverbs 28:23)
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I work hard to make sure my students feel valued in my classroom. In the beginning of the school year, students complete surveys about themselves. Through this, I am able to plan activities around their interests. During recess, I will walk around and chat with students, looking closely for those who may be left out. One super simple thing I do is in the hallways; I like to smile at students from other courses as we walk past each other. I have also told my course I love them. I know I am valued because Jesus loves me. I want to be able to portray Jesus’ love to each of my students.
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I make each of my students feel valued in different ways. I always reiterate that they are made in the image of God, so despite each difference, God made them perfectly. Also, that God is sovereign over all and that they are special to me because God chose them to be in my course that year.
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I try to remember personal facts about them. I ask if they have any prayer requests every day. I welcome them when they come into my classroom and say their first name. I say hi and their first name when I see them outside of my classroom. I teach them about the growth mindset. I try to give encouraging words when correcting their work.
