Know Where I Am Coming From

My teacher…actually sat down with me and really made sure that they understood where I was coming from…- Boyd

Whether this is our first year or our 40th year, we always feel like we know what’s best for our students. That is, after all, our job; to look out for the students and make sure they are on the right path.

Our record may not be perfect at this, but it is pretty good. We have seen almost all of it before, and at the very least we have a number of years of experience on this planet. 

After all, how hard can their life really be at 5, 10, or 15? It might be harder than we think.  

Morgan Housel shares the quote from his social worker friend, “All behavior makes sense with enough information.” That would seem to be so true, especially considering we don’t have all of the information.  

What better way to help your students than to find out? I am not pushing you to dig deep into the family business of your students but more to really get to know your students. What do they love? How do they like to share things? What is their preferred way to cool off? What makes them laugh?

The relationships we build with our students are the most valuable assets in our ability to teach them. If they trust you, they will ride with you through all of your educational quests. It might start with favorite colors and animals, but if you are sharing your love of music or talents, then they might share their dreams and fears.  

Once that door has been opened, there is so much that can be done together. As the year starts and the pull to jump right into learning is strong, don’t forget to spend a few days really getting to know them as a group and as individuals.

It will make the rest of the year that much easier, as the relationship will continue to strengthen, but it will also probably make you both smile.