Nicole Ashley Blog #3- October Blog on Chapter 2: Bond with Your Students

I loved reading about bonding with your students.  I have learned over the years that it does make such a difference when you take a special interest in each child and value them as a sweet person.  I think we all know that as teachers, we do so much more than just teach.  We are their mothers at times, their only supporters at times, and sometimes the only person they can count on to be their advocate.  I loved the part where he said, "You must reach into their hearts first before you can reach into their minds." I know in my class, when nothing else seems to make them listen....when I tell a personal story, they are ALL ears.  It's that personal connection that really makes a difference.  I also enjoyed the section in this chapter about letting them shine.  I believe in that....as a first grade we do a program called Star Student where each week we focus on one student and make it ALL about them.  It's their time to shine....and sometimes it's the only time they will get to shine.  When they share about their lives, it's important that they know that their teacher values their lives!!  I guess the most beneficial thing in the chapter was to just enjoy your students!  I enjoy hearing about their accomplishments and the exciting things that happen in their lives.