While trolling through Twitter recently, I stumbled across a Tweet that described classroom management as 'more class and less management!' I couldn't help but think to myself the power this simple statement possessed. While we might think today's students need more management, what they really need are more people to believe in them and their dreams! As Tom Hierck puts it, "we need to stop talking about students by their deficits."
It becomes rather easy to shine our light on misbehavior, achievement gaps, and learning deficits in our classrooms. The struggle to balance instruction with empathy and class is real. However, when you enter a classroom that places the emphasis on connections, you can feel the positive energy in the air. Why is it that students thrive in a classroom in which their teacher genuinely cares? How is it that students from a variety of backgrounds and educational predispositions can grow leaps and bounds in a room with more class? It's my opinion that it all boils down to one simple concept - CONNECTIONS!
Today's teacher encounters students with a wide range of baggage - emotional, socioeconomic, relational, stress, anxiety, and many more. Yet, the best classroom teachers find a way to make each and every student feel welcome and encouraged to learn. However, in order to do so, these teachers have found a way to make a connection with their students, thus knowing how to motivate and encourage each and every student in their class.
While it's not an easy feat to accomplish, the greatest teachers work valiantly to ensure that every student sees his/her value. These teachers know their likes and dislikes, their triggers, their happy places, and what they are doing this coming weekend. Great teachers find a way to look past the blatantly obvious deficits and choose to focus on the positive that each child can provide to the class. It's not easy! It is necessary to foster a classroom that places less on emphasis on getting it right and more emphasis on continuous growth and learning.
Sometimes, teachers are the only light of hope for students. We might be the one person that believes in them and knows that they are capable of great things. We must be willing to look past mistakes and blemishes and focus on what is possible. Teachers must not be afraid of daring students to go beyond whatever what was once thought of as impossible.
Each and every student needs a teacher that believes in him/her. Someone that tells them it's okay to make a mistake, you can do it, and I believe in you. Take the time to make connections with your students, putting relationships ahead of curriculum, putting students before standards. You want to see your students be successful - then focus on the connections you are making with them!
