2. Developing Personal Connection Create an atmosphere of trust (p. 21)- I think this can best be done by showing a genuine interest in my students, things like: Smile! (p. 22) Say “good morning” to students (p. 23) I also really liked Ann’s idea about getting a CD from each student with some of their favorite songs. Ask opinions from someone who rarely offers anything (p. 25). I think this is a great way to reach those introverted students. Asking them to share should not necessarily be in front of the entire class either. They can be asked while other students are working or leaving. Share their opinions anonymously (p. 25)
3. Developing An Academic Connection Congratulate five students each class on something they achieved (p. 45). I think this is a great goal for teachers to set. This makes for an environment where teachers focus on the positives. Power to the positives!! Ask a nonparticipating student an open-ended question (p. 47). This style of question will most definitely get a better response as compared to a factual based question, where there is only one correct answer. This will encourage those students to speak up more in class. Make mistakes (p. 50). Nobody’s perfect, let the kids know when I have made a mistake. HELP STUDENTS RELAX (p. 63) !!
4. Developing a Social Connection Problems-and-solutions center (p. 63). This is an awesome outlet for students to get advice, suggestions from their own peers and teachers. “Find Someone Who…(p. 66)” This sort of activity will encourage students to interact together and find out what they have in common. Promote listening by asking someone else to summarize what a student has said (p. 67). “Think-pair-share (p. 67).” Socially, this allows students to collaborate with a partner and figure what/how they want to share their information with the rest of the class.
