Recently, I’ve noticed the power of our words to make others feel valued, safe, and at ease. I know that words matter, but I’ve never been as consistent or intentional with using my words in the classroom as I have been this year. My intentionality stemmed from the fact that I’m teaching masked, which means students can’t see me smiling at them. I realized that my enthusiasm and happiness to be with them wasn’t translating without facial expression, so I started verbally expressing more loving and caring statements to build relationships and create a warm environment. Now that I’ve done this, even when we get to unmask, I’ll keep up these habits because I see they matter to my students.
Here are some things I’ve been saying:
I always tell them I’m so happy to see them when class starts. "It is so good to see you all!"
I celebrate if we have a block day. More time with them is a good thing. I want them to know I want them there. If it’s a shorter class day, I let them know I wish it weren’t. "Today is a long day for us. I’m so lucky!" Or, "Oh, bummer, I don’t get as much time with you today. Let’s make the most of it."
I welcome students who are late. "I’m so glad you’re here."
If there’s a vacation or a teacher-only day, I tell them I’ll miss them. "Ugh. I have meetings tomorrow, and you won’t be here! I’ll sure miss you guys. It’s not the same without you!"
I’m disappointed when the bell rings. "Seriously? Do you just want to stay all day?"
I know this probably seems of minor importance in the grand scheme of things, but it’s working. In their trimester one reflections, students repeatedly talked about feeling welcome in our room in a way they haven’t before. More than ever, parents shared at conferences that their students feel like it’s a warm or caring place. Just yesterday, when I told a class it was our long day, they all cheered. My agenda was on the board; nothing riveting was headed their way in the lesson. They celebrated more time in class because I celebrate it.
That matters.
To some degree, I tried to do this as an administrator, and it supported better and more collaborative relationships in that space as well. "It’s so good to see you. Thank you for being here. I’d love to talk more with you." Almost every email I received, even the occasionally not-so-nice parent ones, I started with “Thank you for reaching out.” But, if I went back, I would practice it with increased intention as well.
Human connection and relationships matter the most, and more productive work is possible if we start there—Maslow before Bloom. Put people at ease. Let them know you care. Create a safe place for learning, working, and dialogue.
My challenge to you is to consider how you can grow your personal practices of making people feel welcome and valued in a way that’s authentic to you and reflecting on how this might open the door for meaningful work to follow.
Here are some things I’ve been saying:
I always tell them I’m so happy to see them when class starts. "It is so good to see you all!"
I celebrate if we have a block day. More time with them is a good thing. I want them to know I want them there. If it’s a shorter class day, I let them know I wish it weren’t. "Today is a long day for us. I’m so lucky!" Or, "Oh, bummer, I don’t get as much time with you today. Let’s make the most of it."
I welcome students who are late. "I’m so glad you’re here."
If there’s a vacation or a teacher-only day, I tell them I’ll miss them. "Ugh. I have meetings tomorrow, and you won’t be here! I’ll sure miss you guys. It’s not the same without you!"
I’m disappointed when the bell rings. "Seriously? Do you just want to stay all day?"
I know this probably seems of minor importance in the grand scheme of things, but it’s working. In their trimester one reflections, students repeatedly talked about feeling welcome in our room in a way they haven’t before. More than ever, parents shared at conferences that their students feel like it’s a warm or caring place. Just yesterday, when I told a class it was our long day, they all cheered. My agenda was on the board; nothing riveting was headed their way in the lesson. They celebrated more time in class because I celebrate it.
That matters.
To some degree, I tried to do this as an administrator, and it supported better and more collaborative relationships in that space as well. "It’s so good to see you. Thank you for being here. I’d love to talk more with you." Almost every email I received, even the occasionally not-so-nice parent ones, I started with “Thank you for reaching out.” But, if I went back, I would practice it with increased intention as well.
Human connection and relationships matter the most, and more productive work is possible if we start there—Maslow before Bloom. Put people at ease. Let them know you care. Create a safe place for learning, working, and dialogue.
My challenge to you is to consider how you can grow your personal practices of making people feel welcome and valued in a way that’s authentic to you and reflecting on how this might open the door for meaningful work to follow.