I recently took part in my first #ptchat that was hosted by @bcurrie5 I believe. The conversations that took place really had me reflecting on who I am and how I connect with kids on a daily basis. The one question that I thought I was so important was:
Q4: What ways do u create a warm welcoming environment for students each day? Students what makes you feel welcomed? #stuvoice #ptchat
A variety of answers were given by people who took part in the chat. The ones that stuck with me were:
A4: Two of our teachers greet students EVERY morning (their choice - not a duty - they LOVE doing it) #ptchat
A4: All staff should be visible in hallways, greeting students by name with warm hellos, not grimmaces because it's a Monday morning #ptchat
I started to think about what I do to create this environment. I think that the environment I try to create for students everyday is one that is positive, where the feel supported, heard, and are an asset to our school community. I always use positive language when talking to students. I make noticings (hair cuts, new shirts, new glasses, smiles). I smile when they walk by. I ask them about what they did last night and if they won their volleyball game. Simple things...no more than 10 seconds. But I try to get to atleast 10 students each morning.
I never knew the power of my 10 second conversations until yesterday. A student came to my class at 2:10, our break time, and just walked in (like he knew I'd be there planning for my next class). He gave me a huge hello and then stated, "I see you are planning something." I then asked him, "Do you want to know about what I will teach my Grade 3 science students today?" He was curious and right away and said, "You know I'm supposed to be outside for recess right?" Of course I knew but I responded with, "You know alot about Science right?" He came in an observed our plants and we got to talking about how much they've grown...it felt like we were having class before it even started. I told him that the bell would ring soon and he began to walk away. As he walked away he said, "See you later....thanks for letting me visit with you."
As he walked away I thought to myself, "That was the best invested 10 seconds of my day this morning when I said 'Hello' in the hallway." I think students feel welcome when we legitimately want to know about them and have real conversations about their interests and dislikes...and it is even better when the conversations happen when teachers make time out of your very busy day to make it happen. Any teacher can get to know a student during class time (that is easy), but students know when teachers go out of their way to make it happen. When we make the effort to build relationships, that warm, welcoming environment becomes ingrained in our school culture.
How do you create a warm, welcoming environment for students every day? How will you make 10 seconds the best part of someone's day?