Capturing Kids’ (and Colleagues’) Hearts in Non-instructional Settings

Things to remember:

*  You have only 30 seconds to make a good first impression

*  It takes approximately 20 additional encounters to undo or change a bad first impression.

*  We DON’T have time NOT to make a good impression on our students

“EXCEL”-ing at Teacher-Student interactions builds respect and rapport – even a 5 second encounter has the ability to make a positive impact on a child’s life :

ENGAGE your students in positive social interactions (Essential to the success of a student’s day).

*  Smile and show enthusiasm

*  Eye contact

*  Comment of recognition, positive tone

*  Positive touch – handshake, high 5, knuckle rap, etc.

EXPLORE your students’ interests and needs – set/assess mood

*  Read your students’ body language

*  Comment on students’ school involvement – concert, game, competition, club event

*  Note if student looks tired, angry, ill, happy, roudy, etc

COMMUNICATE a positive, caring and supportive environment

*  Use the teachable moment for teaching respect, good citizenship, adult interactions

*  Sets expectation for teacher-student communication

*  Models responsible adult interactions

EMPOWER students to grow and mature

*  Set the climate for class

*  Create a culture of caring outside of the classroom

*  Make connections with students; build trust

*  Allow students to see positive adult-child relationships

LAUNCH students to have a great day and a successful life.

*  Affirm and encourage

*  Grow your relationship

*  Send on a positive note

CKH in non-instructional areas sets the climate of the building, and builds on the Security and Acceptance stages of growing a group.

Remember:

*  55% of a message is communicated through the use of body language.

*  38% of a message is communicated through your tone of voice.

*  7% of a message is communicated by words.

Are we aware of what we are communicating to our students?

Messages that miscommunicate:

*  Multi-tasking

*  Rapid walking

*  Not smiling or non-expression

*  Sarcasm – means “to rip skin” – does not have a place in adult-student interactions.

Listen with more than your ears:

*  Square up – creates a safe personal space

*  Open posture – to facilitate communication

*  Lean in – shows engagement

*  Eye contact – shows intent/importance

*  Relax – lowers social anxiety

How often do we kill kids with our face?

Build meaningful relationships and serve as a model for students’ social/emotional growth.