When I first heard about Remind's #teachsmall campaign, it made me think back to Mrs. Meyer's sixth grade class. Mrs. Meyer was my favorite teacher, and she was the person who inspired me to go into the education field. The thing is, I don't remember one reading, writing, or arithmetic lesson she taught me. I'm sure she spent hours and hours preparing amazing lessons, but I don't recall a single one.
What I do remember is that she laughed at my goofy jokes and stories. I remember that she encouraged me to embrace my creative side. Mrs. Meyer allowed me to be me. Mrs. Meyer took the time to connect with me. I remember those "little things" more than any lesson.
That's what #teachsmall is all about. It's about reminding students that they are important and that they are special. It's doing the "little things" to let students know they are appreciated and they matter.
I'm so blessed to see this every day at my school. The principal, counselor, nurse, and several students greet everyone with a smile as they enter the door. My principal always says, "I'm glad you are here" to students. I love standing in the hallway as the children head to their classes and give out high fives, fist bumps, and hellos. One of the fourth grade teachers at my school always has a classroom full of students, ranging in age from high school to kindergarten, visiting her nearly every morning before class begins. She always takes the time to listen, ask about their lives, and make every single one of the kids feel welcome and cared for.
Some of my favorite moments are when students share what they are passionate about with me. Whether it be Minecraft creations, the results of their dance competition, or what their pet did the night before, I make sure to listen, ask questions, and be there for them in that moment.
So, in the next few weeks, as you map out all of your spectacular lessons and gather all of your supplies to ensure your students have "The Best Year Ever!" don't forget to #teachsmall. Remember to do those "little things" to let children know they are special. I promise you, it will make a big impact!
To learn more about the Remind #teachsmall campaign, be sure to checkout http://bit.ly/teachsmall_blog.
What I do remember is that she laughed at my goofy jokes and stories. I remember that she encouraged me to embrace my creative side. Mrs. Meyer allowed me to be me. Mrs. Meyer took the time to connect with me. I remember those "little things" more than any lesson.
That's what #teachsmall is all about. It's about reminding students that they are important and that they are special. It's doing the "little things" to let students know they are appreciated and they matter.
I'm so blessed to see this every day at my school. The principal, counselor, nurse, and several students greet everyone with a smile as they enter the door. My principal always says, "I'm glad you are here" to students. I love standing in the hallway as the children head to their classes and give out high fives, fist bumps, and hellos. One of the fourth grade teachers at my school always has a classroom full of students, ranging in age from high school to kindergarten, visiting her nearly every morning before class begins. She always takes the time to listen, ask about their lives, and make every single one of the kids feel welcome and cared for.
Some of my favorite moments are when students share what they are passionate about with me. Whether it be Minecraft creations, the results of their dance competition, or what their pet did the night before, I make sure to listen, ask questions, and be there for them in that moment.
So, in the next few weeks, as you map out all of your spectacular lessons and gather all of your supplies to ensure your students have "The Best Year Ever!" don't forget to #teachsmall. Remember to do those "little things" to let children know they are special. I promise you, it will make a big impact!
To learn more about the Remind #teachsmall campaign, be sure to checkout http://bit.ly/teachsmall_blog.