Over the summer, the student ambassadors read I Wish My Teacher Knew by Kyle Schwartz—a book that compiles a list of advice for teachers to practice to make their classroom a better environment for their students. After reading this book of teaching tips, we compiled a list from the book on how to be a better teacher!
Welcome and Farewells:
When welcoming a new student, give them a task and an assigned seat so they feel like they belong
Make students welcome kits
Have your whole class participate when welcoming and saying farewell to a student
Students and Poverty:
Be aware of students' particular needs
Have food drawers and coat closets for students to go to when they are hungry or need a coat (this can be a school-wide effort)
Establish community supplies for students to use when they are unable to have their own
All Families Count:
Be mindful of the language you use when describing a family. Be inclusive in your words and family related activities
Involve students' families in projects like a family tree
Grief and Loss:
Understand and recognize the symptoms of grief and that grief does not come solely from death but can come from trauma
Create memory books for students who have lost a loved one. Memory books can have pictures, notes, information, and other things about the person that passed
Create a memorial or other grief rituals to support the student through their grieving process
Students in Danger:
Understand and recognize the symptoms of abuse
Be empathetic and help students regulate their emotions
Help students recognize their allies inside and outside of school
Become an ally
Value-Driven Classrooms:
Teach moral characteristics and model what they look like
Have a character rubric for students to reflect on what they need to work on to have good character
Self Efficiency:
Model optimism and not pessimism
Model positive affirmations and keep your students in a positive attitude
Do not label others or yourself!
Student Engagement:
Build relationships with your students
When students feel connected and supported, they will be more motivated to do schoolwork
To learn where to buy this book, click here.
To meet with an ambassador, click here.