Fostering Effective Relationships

I have always found relationship building with students the easiest part of the teaching profession. I have always tried to be the type of teacher that is outside with the kids before class every visiting with them about their evenings. I make sure to know something personal about each student that is unrelated to school. Sports, activities, likes, dislikes, etc. I try to always utilize this time to make sure that there is an open dialogue between me and my students.

This practicum has provided me with the opportunity to teach a fairly diverse classroom. I have a number of ELL students in my class this year that bring a brand new dynamic to the class that I have not observed before. I have tried to include their voice in our lessons as much as possible and have sat down with each of them to make sure I am including their culturally diverse perspectives. I have also been having them 'teach' me some words in their first languages. I have found this to be quite rewarding and the students seem to enjoy it, even if it is just a 'Good morning' every morning.