An easy way to connect with your students

November 23, 2018 • By Unleash Learning • 4 comments

What happens at your classroom door can help you unleash learning.

Yes, your classroom door!

In fact, a recent study reports that teachers who did this regularly found:

Classroom engagement increased 20%
Disruptive behaviour decreased by 9%

*Want to listen to it as a podcast? Click → HERE

Plus, it helped teachers create a positive classroom environment from the moment their students entered the classroom.

That’s why I can’t wait for you to meet Dave Kerr.

After completing How to Unleash Learning (our online program), he decided to take this action.

And he’s here to share with you his results.

If you’re looking for new ways to connect with all your students, or are looking to strengthen the ways all your students feel like they belong in your class, this is for you!

From all of us at Unleash Learning,
We’re cheering you on!
William

A question for you...

What strategies do you use to easily connect with all your students? Share your wisdom and spread some inspiration.

Answer now

Comments

Robyn Veugen says:

December 4, 2018 at 5:45 pm

I’ve recently moved from a primary school to a secondary school setting. Although many things about teaching these age groups are similar, there are definitely differences. The biggest challenge I’ve found is developing the connection with students quickly when I only see them a couple of times a week, instead of all day every day.
I love the idea of the music to settle the kids as they come in, especially after breaks. I’m going to try it tomorrow!

The handshake is also an interesting idea, but as a woman it’s something I don’t do very often. Any suggestions for an alternative, or do you find that the handshake is equally effective for women/ girls?

Reply
- William DeJean says:
  
  December 5, 2018 at 7:43 am
  
  Hi Robyn! It can be challenging forming positive connections and a sense of collective community with students when we don’t see them very often. It’s another reason Dave’s actions are so great. As he reports, it’s an easy way to connect with all his students, especially when he doesn’t see them every day. When I taught high school, I too shook all students hands (boys and girls) and once they got over their initial reluctance, it became an important ritual in our class. And from my own experience it was effective for all students.
  
  We look forward to hearing how it goes for you and your students!
Dave Kerr says:

December 6, 2018 at 7:54 am

Hi Robyn, I really think that a handshake, high five, fist pump-just some tangible small way with each student will break down barriers and create that connection.

Reply
Felicity Waring says:

September 17, 2024 at 6:26 pm

I always greet each student by name and as they have just been to a physical lesson I let them have a quick toilet break and drink of water before we begin.

They always are quick taking this small break and appreciate it. They then settle down. I hope they see this as caring about them. They matter.

I also as this is a difficult group when they leave, I say Have a great day, or enjoy your day.

Reply

An easy way to connect with your students

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