C4T #1 SUMMARY

Summary: Mr. Jabiz is a teacher struggling with how to connect with his students at the beginning of the school year. He is feeling all the anxiety that most teachers feel during that time of year. It has been a very long week for him. He wants to get to know his students, learn their names, understand their needs and explore their personalities. He’s ready to find his groove with his class. He’s trying new things and using words that inspire and empower. He has begun using ideas from other teachers and encourages others to share.

  Response: Young children are very smart. They know when adults don’t want to be around them. I advised the teacher to talk, listen and observe the students. Try walking in the students’ shoes to connect to them. Talk openly about what you observe and hear. Allow students to express how they feel and this should help you connect. This could possibly be an ongoing activity.

 Response to another viewer on this blog. Students know when you are real or fake with them. It may not not be anything you’ve said or done. A child’s inner spirit kicks in when they are around adults. They instinctively know when adults don’t want to be around them. I believe you can reach all children, some sooner than others. Try getting to know the world they live in through conversation with the children. Talk, listen, observe as much as you can. Listen and observe more than you talk. Talk openly about what you observed or heard. Allow them to express how they feel about what you have observed and heard. Take a walk in their shoes and you will connect on some level. Unconditional acceptance is the key.