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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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I try reaching all my students – showing them that I see them, especially the quiet and shy ones – talking to them, calling them by name, showing that I notice details about them. Being intentional helps my students realize that I see them and even in that little fact they feel valued as my student.
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I remember when I was in grade school, I was struggling in a subject area, and after some time of just not getting it, the teacher had me where a sort of necklace that said “dummy” on it. This has stayed with me. In fact, one of my students recently said “I’m just stupid.” I stopped the class and said, ” No you’re not. I think you are smarter than you think you are.” We then explored different ways to learn the material. I also often say to my class, “No one left behind” so that they feel encouraged and know I care about each and everyone one of them and their uniqueness.
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First and foremost, I try to intentionally greet them upon seeing them at the start of the day. I recall as a child of a single parent household the longing for community and a sense of family when I would leave home headed for class and when I arrived at school. Since my mother was a Nurse, she would often be required to be at work before I left for school. I don’t know that my students are from similar environments, but I want them to feel our classroom is also an extension of their family, community and a safe space for developing personally, socially and academically.
I also try to make sure that they learn to fail with grace and to fail forward. Acknowledging our humanity and tendency to make common mistakes in a society that places such high value on “perfection” gives them room to breathe and be gentle towards themselves and each other.
Consistently reminding myself to try and teach the values of wisdom, endurance, resilience and honor have also helped me to do better in valuing each student independently as well as the group collectively.
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Listening with intent is one of the best ways you can make a person feel valued. While the classroom dynamic is such that not everyone can share all that they want all of the time, I do my best to communicate to students that I value their views and what they have to say. Additionally, I determine to use follow-up questions to show students that I listen and remember. Even during in-class examples, I try to construct sentences that are significant to students and their interests so that they are engaged and feel valued.
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By believing and challenging them daily.
