A couple of days ago a former student of mine tagged me when she shared this post. First off I was sincerely grateful and humble that this post reminded her of me. Secondly, I thought how perfect the timing was that she would send this to me as I am getting ready to write a post about being genuinely interested in your students.
Being interested in your students is a powerful strategy for ensuring that your way of being towards them is as positive as possible. I call it a strategy because sometimes people think that being interested in others is a natural trait. You are either born with it or you're not. Some people are born with it, but what about those of us who aren't naturally genuinely interested in others?
I've learned a secret trick. Just get good at asking questions. And then really listening so that you can ask follow up questions. It can seem awkward and weird at first and sometimes the kids look at you all weird. But, kids like to talk about themselves. Asking them questions gives them a chance to talk about themselves and it gives you a chance to listen to show you care.
Having a skill, like asking questions, makes being interested in your kids a choice instead of a feeling. The caring is what you do, not that you have high regard for them. Even if you struggle with liking a kid, maybe especially if you struggle, it is important to remember that you can choose to do the caring. And I have found asking questions, sincere questions, about their life and their interests has been an almost certain way positive regard toward my students.
I've learned a secret trick. Just get good at asking questions. And then really listening so that you can ask follow up questions. It can seem awkward and weird at first and sometimes the kids look at you all weird. But, kids like to talk about themselves. Asking them questions gives them a chance to talk about themselves and it gives you a chance to listen to show you care.
Having a skill, like asking questions, makes being interested in your kids a choice instead of a feeling. The caring is what you do, not that you have high regard for them. Even if you struggle with liking a kid, maybe especially if you struggle, it is important to remember that you can choose to do the caring. And I have found asking questions, sincere questions, about their life and their interests has been an almost certain way positive regard toward my students.