First of all, let me tell you this is my first attempt at blogging. I am starting my 25th year as a classroom teacher. My experience ranges from 2nd grade through 8th grade. Most of my years, 18 of them, have in the middle school classroom. Yes, I not only like these kids, but I love working with them and watching them grow into adolescents.
One of the most important things I have found to be most beneficial is building relationships early. Students want to know who you are and they want you to know who they are. When I taught elementary, I always sent a post card welcoming the students to my class. When I moved to middle school, I looked for those cute post cards and they didn't exist for middle school. I was troubled by this. Who doesn't like to get mail? Who doesn't want to feel welcome to start a new year. So, I decided to write a letter to each of my students. I start the letter by welcoming them to the new year. I tell them what the school year will look like. Then, I tell them about my family and what I did over the summer. I remind them of important dates, if I know them, and always encourage them to read and practice their multiplication facts. At the end of the letter, I leave my email and school address and ask them to write me back. I am surprised every year at how many letters and emails I get back. Even if I don't get one, most students will say, "I got a letter from you!".
Another way to build relationships with middle school students is to recognize their birthday. I send birthday cards to each of my students. I also have them on my calendar and make sure I greet them on their special day by telling them Happy Birthday. They are amazed and shocked that you know it's their birthday. I have had students tell me that my card is the only card they received. Imagine that impact. Someone cares about them.
It doesn't matter how you develop relationships with your students, what matters is that they know you care about them.
How do you build relationships with your students?
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