Everything was in place: the textbooks laid out for every student on top of their desks, a nametag so everyone knew which desk was theirs, desks grouped in threes and fours (because of my love for interaction and students learning from each other), welcome messages on bulletin boards, chalk boards and chalk boxes set up neatly at the front of the room, and my very first teacher’s desk with a two-tiered tray containing my lesson plan book, grade book, class roster and clipboards filled with note paper. Setting up my first classroom was magical ... for about 15 minutes! As I was sitting at my desk admiring my beautiful classroom, the realization that 31 fifth graders were going to be walking through my classroom door the following week struck terror in my heart and soul.
I was called to teach, I knew it deep in my soul, but somewhere, somehow, I missed the concept of what to do with children when they walked through my doorway on that first day of school.
Granted, I was prepared to teach. I understood pedagogy at the level of a beginner. I had lesson plans ready, assessments to gauge where my students were, work for them to do and a schedule to follow to make it through the day and the entire week. I knew how to establish a set of rules that allowed for a smooth functioning classroom. I learned from amazing mentor teachers how to set up a management structure that worked for kids this age.
What was missing? A plan to connect with my students as people. I didn’t plan for gaining an understanding of who they were and where they came from. I didn’t have anything ready to establish positive communication paths amongst themselves or with me. I missed both the little and big things that needed to happen to understand and build connections within our group. I had no plan for classroom culture. We all have a desire to belong. We want to feel safe and secure. The classroom is no exception, and taking the time to establish a culture where children thrive is worth every moment. This grave revelation happened on Friday morning and school started on Monday. What was I going to do?
I could have held onto my pride and attempted to figure it all out on my own. Instead, I sought out my colleagues with decades of teaching experience. I simply asked, how do I connect with my students and how do I help them connect to each other so we all can begin in a safe space together? I thought I might fail at teaching if I didn’t figure this out.
Some of their suggestions for connecting are below. These are tried-and-true ideas, but certainly not the only ideas out there. There are thousands more! These are jumping off points for your creativity; and maybe these oldies but goodies will resonate with you. A quick internet search will yield thousands of possibilities. Choose wisely, the culture of your classroom makes all the difference!
Recently I have been reading some of the work of Scott E. Barron. From his book, Love ‘em and Lead’ em: Inspiration and Encouragement for Educators, he offers many wonderful insights about the value of connecting. Today, I thought his words were worth sharing as you plan for your school year over the summer and think about the students whose lives you have the incredible gift of shaping!
Address them: by name and remember their interests
Know them: their dreams, goals and love language
Respect them: out of authentic humility
Celebrate them: recognizing their progress and achievements
Believe in them: assuming the best and encouraging greatness
Value them: seeking their advice and wisdom
Trust them: with the data and the truth
Make a difference as a life builder, my friends, enabling the joy and success of those in your sphere of influence.
You are embarking on one of the most sacred vocations, that of a teacher. Make the most of every moment, because to know, respect, celebrate, believe, value and trust creates a culture where every child can belong, just as they are, as God intended them to be. This is the strongest foundation for learning.
Dr. Julie A. Vogel