Ham It Up to Build Relationships with Your Students

Jason LimBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Build relationships with students by not being afraid to look goofy or silly in front of them. Some strategies to build relationships with students include using movie quotes or current popular songs, telling jokes, dancing, and more. When I graduated from college, I did not know what I was going to do.  To be honest, I wanted to be … Read More

Students Want Adults Who Care

Blaine AlexanderBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Students don’t want adults who dispense information. They want adults who care. Create thought-provoking learning experiences for students and avoid lecture-style teaching. Make learning relevant for students by connecting what they are learning to the real-world. If building relationships with students is difficult for you, start by talking to students about their lives. I sat speechless in a grade-level … Read More

Eternal Memories Manifest Hope for the Future

Lauren M. KaufmanBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Modeling behaviors and practices can have a long-lasting impact on those surrounding you. Model effective styles of communication, teaching and learning practices, approaches to management, and leadership qualities to have a positive influence on others. Eternal memories can manifest hope for the future; sometimes the behaviors you observe of others become a part of you. Eternal Memories: My Eternal … Read More

The Case for Kids Over Content

Megan BaldufBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: For far too long, the scales of education tipped in favor of content over kids. It’s time we tip it back; relationships make the case for kids over content. Smiles and Frowns is an activity you can implement in your class to give each student a chance to share their voice every single day. During Smiles and Frowns, the … Read More