As a middle school teacher it is not uncommon for students to enter my room with a host of outside problems (fight with a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, family issues etc.).

Sometimes the way students act when they enter my classroom makes it seem as if I am the problem or that I must solve the problem.

Some teachers believe the best way to handle these situations is to simply ignore it and go about business as usual with the hopes that the student will “snap out of it”.

However, I am a huge proponent of the student-teacher relationship and think a better approach is to confront the student about the problem. Teachers can do this by asking a few simple questions such as “Is everything okay?” or “Did you get into an argument with someone?” or “Did something happen today to upset you?”

This may seem simple, but it can be quite effective.

Using this approach does a few things:
1. Makes it clear to the student that you are aware that there is a problem.
2. Makes it clear to both parties that the problem has nothing to do with the teacher.
3. Makes it clear to the student that the teacher cannot necessarily solve the problem.

And, most importantly,

4. Builds upon the student-teacher relationship.

******
Looking for more ways to improve the student-teacher relationship?

Make sure to read eTeach: A Teacher Resource for Learning the Strategies of Master Teachers @ www.TeachingTeacher.com

*******

Share