Mammoth Science – Your place for biology education

There’s nothing more important to me than building strong relationships with my students. Many teachers will say it’s about the creativity, the planning, the content development, the _______, that is the most important thing to them. I’m sure that administrators might have different answers yet. But for me, I’ve always had the saying, “if they enjoy coming to your room, you can teach them anything.” One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to do that is by greeting them at the door or immediately in the classroom before anything else happens.

Let me preface what follows with this – I’m one of the most introverted people on the planet. So, yes, even those who feel this is not in your “wheelhouse” or personality toolkit, you’ll be amazed.

From the moment they walk through the door, I make a point to give them a warm welcome with a smile and a friendly word. A, “hey how the game?” or “how was your weekend?”, albeit a small gesture can make all the difference in how they feel about the class period, and in turn, how they perform and treat one another. It’s amazing how a simple “good morning” or “how are you?” can put students at ease and create a more comfortable learning environment.

But it’s not just about making them feel comfortable, it’s also about building trust. When students see that I care about them, that I’m interested in their well-being, they’re more likely to be more transparent and pliable with/for me. This trust is vital for creating an open and honest relationship between us, and that is so crucial for effective teaching and learning. But it doesn’t stop there. If they can relate to me as well by sharing some (SOME) of my life or experiences with them, then the shock of seeing me in the grocery store on the weekend in joggers and crocs might be less for them! Being transparent (like an antibiotic, a small dose is all you need – don’t overshare) makes you seem less like a teacher and more like a person, as silly as that sounds.

I have a distinct disadvantage. While not the biggest guy out there, I am about 6’2” and 230 libs and have been working out since my early 20’s. My voice is about 2 octaves below what would be considered “normal” and while nice to put my wife to sleep in nightly conversations, these two in conjunction can be intimidating and a little scary for students, especially those who don’t have a male figure in their lives. So getting them to move beyond my physical appearance is important. Showing them that I’m invested in them beyond their numerical value is huge!

And let’s not forget about building a sense of community in the classroom. When students feel welcomed and valued, they’re more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their classmates. This leads to a more positive and collaborative learning environment, which is essential for student’s academic and social development.

In short, greeting my students at the door or in the classroom before anything else happens is a vital part of my teaching practice. It sets the tone for the entire class period, builds trust and a sense of community, and creates a more comfortable and effective learning environment. I’m passionate about making that connection with my students, and I can’t stress enough the importance of this simple yet powerful gesture.

Do it for 10 days and see the difference.