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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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I person feels value when they know that they are cared for. I desire to speak the language of my students. In order to speak their language I need to care deeply about them, talk them through situations they are going through, to listen without judgement, to pray earnestly with them.
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I try to take notice of the good behaviors and not focus on the behaviors students are struggling with. I talk with my students one-on-one about how they are doing, and I tell them they are loved and appreciated. Small actions such as praying with a student and sharing their fears and concerns is also a way to make students feel valued.
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Appreciate them as an individual, really listen to what they have to stay (seeing things from their points of view), offering positive criticism and be honest with them, by sharing my opinions. Most importantly, treating them as they are God’s precious creation: unique, special and loved.
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The main way I show my students their value is by allowing them to have a safe space where they can ask me anything, whether is has to do with the lesson or not. When students recognize they have someone they can voice their true feelings and thoughts to without that person immediately jumping to disinterest, or worse – anger, they will feel safe. When students feel safe, they have a higher capacity to learn. Another way I make sure my students feel valued is by showing interest in what they are saying, regardless of what it is about. I listen to them without interruption, unless it is a question about what they are telling me in an attempt to understand them further. When we seek to understand, we gain compassion.
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In posters around the room, constantly telling them they are important and capable of more than they know. Every morning, I greet each one individually and ask how they are doing. I pray with them every day. I think about their questions and do my best to answer their questions. I meet individually with each one to answer questions about school issues. I display their drawings and good work. I tell them that God made all things good and that includes them.
