A long time ago, long before I started working where I am now, I substituted.
One day when I was subbing in a third grade classroom, I had a very interesting conversation with one of the children.
The classroom was situated right near the driveway, so the children could see the buses drive up at the end of the day.
Here was the conversation:
Boy: Yes!!! The good bus driver is back!
Me: That's great! What makes him such a good bus driver?
Boy: Well one day after I'd been out sick for a few days, when I came back, he asked me if I was feeling better.
I've thought about that conversation many times.
Clearly, the boy liked that bus driver because the bus driver paid special attention to the boy. The bus driver showed an interest.
That's all it takes!
Since that day, I've made an extra effort to let the children know I am interested in what they do. I find ways to let them know I'm glad they came to school that day. I think it makes a difference to say things like:
After an absence:
One of my favorites:
The more you make your students feel welcome, the more they will want to perform!
No matter how I say it, I make sure I am there for my students, making sure they know they are an important member of my class, and give them each a special greeting as they enter my classroom each day!
What are your favorite greetings?
