Making Our Littles Feel Special

It's an ever growing challenge.  Each day we have a handful of students that just don't seem to have the support from home and they crave it from us.  These are our kiddos that dread academics of any kind.  They have little to no motivation because in all honesty, who cares how they do at school?  Some are simply trying to survive.  I have tried to teach intrinsic motivation, given pep talks--you've heard the ones:

"You are defined by your actions, not your circumstances."

When your nine and your home life is unstable, these aren't exactly the words that are life changing.  We also need to realize that we can't change lives with fancy tag lines, but through OUR actions.

For these kids, an emotional bond gives them a reason to try and further more a desire to please.

I have found a few simple strategies within my own classroom to promote a positive climate.  It has shown change in even the most unreachable reachable little.  Here are a few of my favorites!

ClassDojo is amazing on so many levels, but this new addition is a simple way to highlight the positives.  This February, ClassDojo just released this free download and teachers are loving it! "Shout Outs" correlates right along with PBIS pedagogy.  Notice the positive, and the students will continue that behavior in the hopes of more positive feedback. This could be handing out small notes in passing or creating a classroom "Shout Out" board to recognize students publicly in your classroom.

Check-In/Out Systems are not a fix-all strategy, but it's a daily effort to stop and simply say, "Good morning, _______!  I'm so glad you're here!"  It lets the student know that he/she is noticed and acknowledgment goes a long way.  These are usually for my littles that need a little extra guidance in organization due to a lack of parental involvement at home.  The ones that never have their homework done, get their planner signed, etc.  Rather than handing out consequences that really should be for the parent, I stop and go through what is needed to be successful that evening.  We go through the take home folder, organize the homework to ensure they have what they need and send them on their way.  This takes minutes during the pack up time of the day, but is extremely helpful for that kiddo that is on his/her own after school.  The next morning we check-in and I praise them for having completed what was assigned the day before!  These may be the kids that need a little extrinsic motivation to get started (piece of candy, ticket, whatever!), but eventually the positive praise you give them will be all the motivation they begin to desire.  

Tootling NOT Tattling! is a fantastic strategy from SCSD Behavior Matters.  You can click here to learn more.  It teaches our littles to see the good in each other and to recognize those behaviors by sharing on the Tootling board. 

Morning Meetings are one of my favorites.  A teacher colleague shared this goodie with me a couple of years ago and it has completely altered the climate of my classroom.  Here are the basics:

1. Circle Time:  Classroom gathers in a circle each morning at a predetermined spot in the room. 
2. Greeting:  Each student says "Good morning, ______" to the person to his/her left and then right until everyone has been greeted.
3. Student Shares:  1-2 students share something special going on at home, in sports, anything that matters to them followed by 1-2 questions/comments from peers relating to the shared topic.  This allows students to practice speaking and listening skills including volume, eye contact, responding to questions...invaluable time spent each morning.
4. Teacher Shares:  I always share something personal to allow my littles to get to know me.  Funny moments with my husband, goals I'm working towards, favorite recipes I'm trying...there are really no rules!  Letting them get a sneak peek in your personal life reminds them you are a real person and they can open up to you about their own lives. 



Click here to learn more about implementing
a morning meeting into your classroom!

5. I end the morning meeting with a quick preview of the day and give my students time to ask questions about any schedule changes, upcoming events, etc.  This actually decreases questions asked throughout the day, saving me instructional time, but more importantly it helps my students that rely heavily on routine.  They feel more in control when they know what the day will hold.

These are a few ways to make your littles feel special.  Trust me, they are simple and effortless, but make the biggest impacts on your students.  

Have any strategies that work well for you and your littles?  I'd love to hear about them!  Comment below and share with your teacher friends that would love these ideas!