Making Connections

After a long and rainy four-day weekend it was back to school. This was my first week of full-time instruction for all five classes: three senior, two junior. On Tuesday morning I was nervous, excited, exhausted, and energized, all at the same time. I felt comfortable with my students from day one, mostly because I have already worked with them during either tutor or participant year. However, the pressure of establishing a stance of authority, while also developing a connection with them began to sink in quickly.

The first thing I did was filled the students in on my rules for the semester and told them I would be taking over full-time instruction until December 9th. I typed and distributed a parent letter which introduced myself, included my email, and established some communication methods for the students' parents and me. I had already worked diligently each day to memorize my students' names, so I was able to call on each person individually without looking at a class roster or seating chart. I could tell my students were more comfortable with me because I had taken the time to do this.

Since the beginning of the school year, I have taken the time to stand outside the door between classes to greet my students and speak to them in the hall. Initially, a few students were not very open and responded quietly, but now they have come to expect my welcome and they will often talk to me before and after class. This has helped me become more comfortable working with them and I am sure that it has done the same for my students.

Although I have been busy this week with grading papers, creating PowerPoints, catching students up on makeup work, organizing lesson plans, collecting consent forms, etc., I have really tried to make it a point to develop a positive rapport with each of my classes. In addition to the points previously discussed (greeting students, learning names) I have also tried to emphasize active learning as opposed to discussion, smile a lot, and incorporate jokes every now and then. I verbally praise my students when they have done a nice job and always compliment them on days that they work hard and quietly. During our daily warm-ups, I respond to the writing prompts and quote interpretations with my students, which is something that will connect directly with my action research.

As for the rest of the weekend, I will try and prepare myself for the crazy week ahead! We have club day on Monday, along with an activity in the auditorium to remember the events of 9/11. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be packed full of activities so that we can stay on track and Friday is an early dismissal. Let's hope I can keep everything together!