Taking the Time

Talking with the students, asking them questions, getting their actual opinions on things, sitting down with them a few minutes throughout the day to see how things are going, listening to them and finding out what they are interested in . . . the key is to try and take the time to get to know the kids in your classroom. What are they interested in? How do they learn best? What's their background? Elementary grades children are still very open and honest for the most part, and generally want to talk about themselves, their likes and dislikes, their concerns, and their hopes and fears. This single act- this getting to know each student on a personal level, should never be seen as wasted time. Even if it takes a few moments away from a lesson, the fact that you cared enough to inquire about them may just put you and the entire class miles ahead of where you might have been had you simply flown in and started teaching without building any relationships. Students that respect you, that know you care about them and their lives, will perform in the classroom for you, particularly in the elementary grades (but even, I suspect, later on as well). The field that you planted and toiled and took the time to do the smallest of things with care and concern, will reap for you abundantly in the long run. Your class will come back to you wanting to learn, to please, to grow - simply because you took the time, possibly just a few moments in your day. What is left will be children overflowing with possibility, and for the teacher . . . unlimited returns.