I think that is important to remember that even if some kids never seem to open up, they may still recognize and appreciate the affection and respect we show them. We have to keep trying. A middle school girl I had worked so hard with to build a relationship with never opened up. Until she did. She came to tell me goodbye and and in doing so, told me her suicide plan. We were able to get her the help she needed. Never underestimate the power of caring about a kid.
Kelsie D totally agreed! I’m currently mentoring an undergrad in a teacher program and she asked “is there a resource you’d recommend for a new teacher?” I pointed her right here!
Besides the conversations, I try to create a room that is inviting to students. When they are done with exams and put their heads down to sleep I don't wake them up. Instead, I offer them one of the five throw pills in my class (got them all on clearance and no they match and no one cares that they don't match). I have a Britta filter that students can refill their water bottles, girl products, a sewing kit (which has come in handy more than I thought it would), and even quiet spaces that feel secluded for students to sit at when they are just not "feeling it". It is amazing how much these homey touches help students relax and want to be in my class. As much as I don't like it, I also bend quite a bit on late work if students talk to me. I truly feel like doing students a favor or bending a policy has helped me create an atmosphere where when I ask my student to move mountains in academics they will do it. My students are in 11th and 12th grade, most of them are either a year away or a few months away from being able to vote in national elections. That is a fact that I remind myself of often. If I don't treat them like the smart decision making adults that I want them to be when they have support and guidance, then I am contributing to the growth of underprepared citizens. That means I try to honor their choices when I can and hold them accountable when I need to (a very fine line). It really is the little things that contribute. I am bad at talking candidly to people, but I am good at creating comfortable environments so I lean into that aspect of building relationships.
Yes. So much yes! I loved that you said “this job is only ever about the kids.” I think some teachers forget that sometimes. They get caught up in work drama, personal drama, life drama, but at the end of the day (for those eight hours at least) it is only ever about those kids. 🙌🏻
Relations..... are like ....a ship. There is the fun when the water is calm.... yet this is no test for its abilities. It is those stormy days that show its true nature. Thanks CJ... sharing is caring. Loved it.
This is oh so true! If we have relationships with our students, we’re winning. My kids know I’m a New Orleans Saints fanatic and many of them are fans as well, so we bond over that. They’ll talk to me about their pets since they know how much I love my cats. They’ve seen me in Walmart in my gym clothes and know my dad is a personal trainer, so they’ll come to me with questions about that. They ask me about books since I love to read. I also try to find out what they’re in to. Even if I’m not interested, I will listen to what they have to say. If it’s important to them, it’s important. I just wish all teachers realized this.
Thanks for sharing. If you want a relationship it starts with love. Children recognize genuine love. If you create a safe place for them they will respond.
I am very honest with my students. I want them to know that my teen years were pretty much like theirs. I also share my struggles of being bullied, depression, and how it lead to an attempted suicide. Why? Because I know that there is a student out there going through the same thing; I want them to know that it is ok to feel that way, but not ok to dwell on it. That you are important, there is help available, and someone is listening. My story helped save a student. Students stop me in the hall to chat, or stop by my classroom. They leave me notes on how I'm a great teacher, and how they're going to miss me when I'm gone (I've been on several terms). To me, relationships are more important than what I am teaching. Great video!
Hi, this is Jake again, sending peace from my classroom in China. I cannot agree more about your why’s and how’s about this topic. Having lunch with your students initially seems troublesome, but if you work at it, consistently as Reynolds emphasized, the rewards are bountiful. Not only do you have a greater potential to connect with your own students, you become more accessible if not visible to others who may become your students next academic year. Who knows. Maybe that’s not a positive for some teachers, but students are like business clients, for lack of a better analogy. I’m not talking about pandering to them or nonsense like that. You do your job as a teacher with no BS (cuz they’ll smell that from a mile or two away), they’ll feel your respect towards them and treat you back with respect, not in words but in actions, i.e. their academic endeavors and personal development. Cheers. Looking forward to your next video, Reynolds!
Building relationships with students is SO important. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and tips on building relationships. I appreciate it.
I love this video! I think there is a fine line when it comes to out doing a person’s vulnerable time. While you clearly made your point, it is possible that when you are talking to a kid you don’t come across as “I match your loss and raise you one.” I get the feeling you do a lot of listening and then insert your experience at an appropriate time. That time might not be when the kid is crying about a loss. It seems more important that they talk through it. Im 40, but It will be two years before I graduate and can teach, so I guess my comment should be viewed as more of a question than a fact. Just after watching three videos, you’ve already become one of my mentors.
I have binge watched your videos. I graduate next semester, plan on teaching high school. Subbing in the mean time. Your videos give me inspiration and I feel like this is the kind of teacher I want to be. This is me. I sometimes hide my crazy silly personalities from adults but with kids you feel like its natural to joke around and have fun. I think we forget sometimes….
Thank you Mr. Reynolds. I've been following you for a long time. I'm from Paraguay, in South America. Building relationship with my students doesn' t come naturally to me, due to my personality type. I'm shy and introverted. Don't want to open up even to my loved ones. Last year, the end of the year activities were so sad for me. Not one student turned around to say hi to me, even those who saw me hid from me with a threatening look on their faces. It really hit me hard. My homework is to watch your videos during holiday and go back to school as a new teacher. Wish me luck.
Hello there! Paraguay! That’s incredible. I’m so sorry you went through that situation. Are you in our Facebook group? I’m certain you could find other teachers in there that are introverted that could help you. I’m actually going to ask in there now and see what kind of help we can get for you. ❤️
Those relationships are so important. I've got a kid who is super into Naruto. I had been watching it (cause a bunch of my students recommended it) and stopped for the summer. First thing he asks me is how much further I've gotten. However, this student gives me no issues because I can relate to this kid. Other places on campus, that is so not the case. Guess I'm watching Naruto this weekend while I grade...
New high school teacher here teaching culinary arts to kids where 90% are on free or reduced lunch. I am in the same boat, I plan on feeding the hell out of them and teaching them to make good food they may not get at home. I hope it works but you rock. You have a killer view on your job as a mentor more than a time clock puncher. I remember in the late 70’s and 80’s I may have had 5 good teachers that did what you talk about. Really sad. I’m super excited to get in there and do some good. Thanks for your videos.
Thanks for another great video. Every time I find myself frustrated with a student, I end up finding out from them or another educator what they are dealing with. It is easy to offer grace when you really understand the reason behind the behavior. Thank you for continuing to spread this message.
I was part of the group you spoke to in Philly on Friday, I'm glad you posted this video! Your talk was awesome and now I can refer to this when I need it.
Totally believe in the power of building relationships. Though I'm only subbing right now, I've found that showing interest in kids' interests changes the dynamic completely. Whenever I've had a new class, it can be very, very rough. But I always ask about what kids like and am very genuine about it. Going even further, I also ask them about which apps to use, how to use certain technology, and also attend their games, concerts, and musicals. Thus, having them again, I've noticed they are a lot more respectful and willing to listen to me. Simply put, build relationships whenever you can!
Fantastic video! Kids are wonderful! They’re little adults learning to navigate this life and we need to have unlimited compassion for their well-being!
I discovered your channel recently. Thank you for sharing your ideas. They are so helpful. I am a 10 year veteran teacher but always looking to up my game...thank you.
I really needed this! Our school year isn't over yet but this one has been a doozie. It was my first year teaching 5th grade this year, having taught younger kids before that. I think I underestimated how difficult it can be to build relationships with kids when they're a little older, as with little ones I've always found it so easy because they tend to open up a lot more easily. I'm not used to having to actively put in effort to build those relationships as it usually happens naturally. But as soon as the hormones start going and they begin to care about what others think, it automatically gets harder. We don't go back to school until September so I don't know what grade I'll even be teaching next year yet (I KNOW) but even if I end up with younger ones again, I know I can implement a lot of these and be more intentional in my bonding with my kiddos. It will sure make the rest of the year a lot easier!
Great meeting you at SJU's symposium. Your insight into how to connect with kids is spot on. I's a big upfront investment but the dividends can be huge. I can't wait to encourage my ELA teachers to play music while students share their writings. So simple so powerful!
I have recently been hired for my first year of teaching - I’ll have 8th grade ELA and 6th-8th Drama. I’m so anxious to begin, nervous, and excited. Your videos have helped me so much to prepare for this fall. I’m excited to begin to nourish relationships with students, and your tips are so incredibly beneficial. Thank for all you do!
Hey Jess!! Congrats on your new position! It’s definitely a long wait through the summer. As your getting ready please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Peace👍🏽
I’m going to be a first year teacher in the fall of 2019 and these videos helps me so much, especially since I’m doing a career switch and my degree isn’t in education. Also, I will be 28 my first year teaching and I feel so behind my peers but I know our paths are similar on how we needed up in this field. Thank you for sharing all that you do! Classroom management and not making my lessons too boring are like my greatest fear. I want to teach history in middle school and I’m so nervous!
Wow, thats crazy. The struggle is so real right now lol. I'm glad someone else can feel what I'm saying. What was your biggest struggle during your first year?
psvixen that’s insane! Lol what grade do you teach? I want to do middle school. I take my certification test this fall for Texas then next year I’ll be looking for jobs. So nervous about it all yet super excited.
This was me a couple of years ago! I didn't start teaching until I was 27-28. It was a second career; my background was in law, not education, and it was terrifying. But I'm so glad to have made the switch. I'll be going into my 3rd year teaching 8th grade US history, and I love it (most days lol)!
Alexandra Whitehead Thanks so much for your response! Wow, law! My degree is in nutrition. Not having the background in education what did you find most challenging? You're teaching exactly what I want to teach, US history.
New 4th grade teacher (hoping for high school in the future). But what if you don’t have time for anything else outside of work? Lol I mean...it’s a failing school and they pile tons of work on us, so outside of church and cake decorating that I only do every so often....I have no idea about anything else that’s new or ‘hip’. Lol
I moved from high school teaching in a midwest state to middle school teaching in Florida last year and felt lost when trying to talk to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. I've spoken to the younger teachers who are closer to their understand but eek! I appreciate you making this REAL video about teaching and leaving the textbook teaching at the door! :)
This is great advice in building rapport with students. I love how you bring into perspective teachers who come from a different demographics from their students which is something that many teachers need to hear. Great video!
Hey Reynolds u re doing a great jobt out there, I wanna ask you if a student has a crush on u how should u react or behave as a teacher to keep your relationship with this student safe and get him understand that you re his teacher only, Can t wait to see your reply, thaaaanx
How do you know the limits of a relationship and what you can and can’t interfere with? Is there ever a time where you felt that you were crossing a line or too involved in their lives? What do you do when a child treats you as their parent figure? Also I know you mentioned that you teach at an all boys school, but would you recommend these same methods for student and teachers who are different genders? Again how do you know when you are crossing a line Also this is such a random question because I’m a highshcool student and don’t even want to be a teacher:) but just wondering
The phrase I try to live by is "You are there for them, but you're not friends with them." Your ultimate goal is to guide and inspire, not be their "buddy". Hanging out with them outside of school, agreeing with everything they say, trying to be "cool" by setting a bad example, all those things are off limits. If a student brings something to you that is beyond your pay grade, like the death of a parent or that they're considering self-harm or something like that, direct them to the school counselor or maybe the principal. Lines do need to be drawn, but you still want them to know that you are there for support
Hey Reymon, you re doing a great job out there, I wanna ask u if a student have a crush on u what would u do amd how shall u react as a teacher, I cant wait to know your pieces of advice concerning that, thaaanx
Ha, I was just kidding. I love the video. My favorite McEwan book is Atonement. I tend geek out over my own library organization. Keep up the good work.
I care about The Walking Dead xD in all seriousness, this was a great video. It reminds us to focus on how they can learn better instead of making it about us :)
It’s totally hard. Today i found out some new dudes got moved into my classroom. I now have the most difficult class I could imagine. 😂😂😂 I just know that with the help of my friends at school I can do it. I really think you can too Sandhya!!!
I teach at FE college and I couldn’t teach at school. I ran screaming up the hill. Hopefully I will get better somehow in classroom management Some strategies what you mentioned works for me too. Thanks
Imagine the message that would send, having the 4 hour work week book in class... "I'm a teacher who works super hard for my kids... but I WISH I only had to work 4 hours in the whole week"
Is it ever too late? If you’ve had a bad day with some kids who have been awful all day for whatever reason, and they’ve seen you frustrated & on the edge, emotional etc. is it too late to rebuild do you think?
It's never too late to rebuild a relationship. You are a human being and things happen. Look at it as a way of creating a moment for you to model for your students what it looks like to apologize, own your mistakes, and move on. You got this! Really.
Great tips and strategies. However, it might be a good idea to eliminate the water guns, marking on faces for fun, as well as kids playing with play guns in the background. Building relationships are critical to student success and drive to do well. I wanted to share all of your videos, but because of the watergun tip, I decided not to share. Honestly, you should have so many more views! It's great stuff!! You are definitely a natural, and I totally get how you learn which kids you can play around with or not. It's just so risky in this day and age. Keep sharing your knowledge and expertise to support new or struggling teachers.
My problem is that I am supposed to talk to them in English everytime and that is not our mother tongue. They have a basic level of English. How am I supposed to create rapport then??
Let’s say you have 25 students. How many students do you think you should check in with and ask these questions to? Should it be targeted to those more reluctant kids who have it hard?
with the first point most kids don't do work because they need redirecting back to the work. Talking to them about their drama when your not a counselor is them taking the teacher off task. It's better to have respectful "oneliners" that work and use them effectively. For example "that is really sad your cat died. Right now we need to complete numbers 1-5 on page blah blah blah. Then stand there and watch them get started without saying anything else. have a back up oneliner ready to go if they stray again while your still observing. Something like "let me help you" "let's look at number 1" then start reading the question. literally prompting them every step of the way until they take off on the work themselves
Let’s say you have 25 students. How many students do you think you should check in with and ask these questions to? Should it be targeted to those more reluctant kids who have it hard?
I think that is important to remember that even if some kids never seem to open up, they may still recognize and appreciate the affection and respect we show them. We have to keep trying. A middle school girl I had worked so hard with to build a relationship with never opened up. Until she did. She came to tell me goodbye and and in doing so, told me her suicide plan. We were able to get her the help she needed. Never underestimate the power of caring about a kid.
I'm always shocked when I look at your subscriber count and don't see it in the 50-100k range. You deserve more and inspire so many.
Kelsie D totally agreed! I’m currently mentoring an undergrad in a teacher program and she asked “is there a resource you’d recommend for a new teacher?” I pointed her right here!
agreed
People that dig deep always go under the radar!
It’s in that range now, and I’m wondering why it’s not over 500k
Thank you everyone 💛
Besides the conversations, I try to create a room that is inviting to students. When they are done with exams and put their heads down to sleep I don't wake them up. Instead, I offer them one of the five throw pills in my class (got them all on clearance and no they match and no one cares that they don't match). I have a Britta filter that students can refill their water bottles, girl products, a sewing kit (which has come in handy more than I thought it would), and even quiet spaces that feel secluded for students to sit at when they are just not "feeling it". It is amazing how much these homey touches help students relax and want to be in my class.
As much as I don't like it, I also bend quite a bit on late work if students talk to me. I truly feel like doing students a favor or bending a policy has helped me create an atmosphere where when I ask my student to move mountains in academics they will do it. My students are in 11th and 12th grade, most of them are either a year away or a few months away from being able to vote in national elections. That is a fact that I remind myself of often. If I don't treat them like the smart decision making adults that I want them to be when they have support and guidance, then I am contributing to the growth of underprepared citizens. That means I try to honor their choices when I can and hold them accountable when I need to (a very fine line).
It really is the little things that contribute. I am bad at talking candidly to people, but I am good at creating comfortable environments so I lean into that aspect of building relationships.
You sound simply amazing. Great work Jamie. Just great.
Yes. So much yes! I loved that you said “this job is only ever about the kids.”
I think some teachers forget that sometimes. They get caught up in work drama, personal drama, life drama, but at the end of the day (for those eight hours at least) it is only ever about those kids. 🙌🏻
For sure. I have to remind myself sometimes too. That was hopefully the reason we all got into this life.
Relations..... are like ....a ship. There is the fun when the water is calm.... yet this is no test for its abilities. It is those stormy days that show its true nature.
Thanks CJ... sharing is caring. Loved it.
I wish I could have a teacher who would try to talk to me because sometimes I just need to talk.
Mary Allen thank you very much! I hope to find a good teacher that I can talk to.
Talk to members of your family and friends like the rest of us. Otherwise join online forums
This is oh so true! If we have relationships with our students, we’re winning. My kids know I’m a New Orleans Saints fanatic and many of them are fans as well, so we bond over that. They’ll talk to me about their pets since they know how much I love my cats. They’ve seen me in Walmart in my gym clothes and know my dad is a personal trainer, so they’ll come to me with questions about that. They ask me about books since I love to read. I also try to find out what they’re in to. Even if I’m not interested, I will listen to what they have to say. If it’s important to them, it’s important. I just wish all teachers realized this.
Thanks for sharing. If you want a relationship it starts with love. Children recognize genuine love. If you create a safe place for them they will respond.
I love learning about my students and what they’re interested in. Sometimes I learn new music, books, etc. from them. Great video!
Of course you do Sara. Thanks because you’re awesome. 😊👍🏽
I am very honest with my students. I want them to know that my teen years were pretty much like theirs. I also share my struggles of being bullied, depression, and how it lead to an attempted suicide. Why? Because I know that there is a student out there going through the same thing; I want them to know that it is ok to feel that way, but not ok to dwell on it. That you are important, there is help available, and someone is listening. My story helped save a student. Students stop me in the hall to chat, or stop by my classroom. They leave me notes on how I'm a great teacher, and how they're going to miss me when I'm gone (I've been on several terms). To me, relationships are more important than what I am teaching. Great video!
Hi, this is Jake again, sending peace from my classroom in China. I cannot agree more about your why’s and how’s about this topic. Having lunch with your students initially seems troublesome, but if you work at it, consistently as Reynolds emphasized, the rewards are bountiful. Not only do you have a greater potential to connect with your own students, you become more accessible if not visible to others who may become your students next academic year. Who knows. Maybe that’s not a positive for some teachers, but students are like business clients, for lack of a better analogy. I’m not talking about pandering to them or nonsense like that. You do your job as a teacher with no BS (cuz they’ll smell that from a mile or two away), they’ll feel your respect towards them and treat you back with respect, not in words but in actions, i.e. their academic endeavors and personal development. Cheers. Looking forward to your next video, Reynolds!
As a struggling (to put it mildly) first year teacher, thank you for these videos! Not only informative, but oddly confidence boosting.
Building relationships with students is SO important. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and tips on building relationships. I appreciate it.
I love this video!
I think there is a fine line when it comes to out doing a person’s vulnerable time. While you clearly made your point, it is possible that when you are talking to a kid you don’t come across as “I match your loss and raise you one.” I get the feeling you do a lot of listening and then insert your experience at an appropriate time. That time might not be when the kid is crying about a loss. It seems more important that they talk through it.
Im 40, but It will be two years before I graduate and can teach, so I guess my comment should be viewed as more of a question than a fact. Just after watching three videos, you’ve already become one of my mentors.
I have binge watched your videos. I graduate next semester, plan on teaching high school. Subbing in the mean time. Your videos give me inspiration and I feel like this is the kind of teacher I want to be. This is me. I sometimes hide my crazy silly personalities from adults but with kids you feel like its natural to joke around and have fun. I think we forget sometimes….
Thank you. I need your positivity in my teacher life!!! This is so spot on! I can’t wait to see my kiddos!!
Awesome glad I could help build some positivity for you! Have a great school year!!
Thank you Mr. Reynolds. I've been following you for a long time. I'm from Paraguay, in South America.
Building relationship with my students doesn' t come naturally to me, due to my personality type. I'm shy and introverted. Don't want to open up even to my loved ones. Last year, the end of the year activities were so sad for me. Not one student turned around to say hi to me, even those who saw me hid from me with a threatening look on their faces. It really hit me hard. My homework is to watch your videos during holiday and go back to school as a new teacher. Wish me luck.
Hello there! Paraguay! That’s incredible. I’m so sorry you went through that situation. Are you in our Facebook group? I’m certain you could find other teachers in there that are introverted that could help you.
I’m actually going to ask in there now and see what kind of help we can get for you. ❤️
Those relationships are so important. I've got a kid who is super into Naruto. I had been watching it (cause a bunch of my students recommended it) and stopped for the summer. First thing he asks me is how much further I've gotten. However, this student gives me no issues because I can relate to this kid. Other places on campus, that is so not the case. Guess I'm watching Naruto this weekend while I grade...
New high school teacher here teaching culinary arts to kids where 90% are on free or reduced lunch. I am in the same boat, I plan on feeding the hell out of them and teaching them to make good food they may not get at home. I hope it works but you rock. You have a killer view on your job as a mentor more than a time clock puncher. I remember in the late 70’s and 80’s I may have had 5 good teachers that did what you talk about. Really sad. I’m super excited to get in there and do some good. Thanks for your videos.
That sounds like a great plan! I'm happy to help in any ay possible.
Thanks for another great video. Every time I find myself frustrated with a student, I end up finding out from them or another educator what they are dealing with. It is easy to offer grace when you really understand the reason behind the behavior. Thank you for continuing to spread this message.
Exactly. Most kids aren’t bad just to be bad. There’s usually a underlying issue/reason.
I was part of the group you spoke to in Philly on Friday, I'm glad you posted this video! Your talk was awesome and now I can refer to this when I need it.
Totally believe in the power of building relationships. Though I'm only subbing right now, I've found that showing interest in kids' interests changes the dynamic completely. Whenever I've had a new class, it can be very, very rough. But I always ask about what kids like and am very genuine about it. Going even further, I also ask them about which apps to use, how to use certain technology, and also attend their games, concerts, and musicals. Thus, having them again, I've noticed they are a lot more respectful and willing to listen to me. Simply put, build relationships whenever you can!
EXACTLY 🙌🏽 great job! Subbing is tough, if you can build those relationships while subbing you will do great when you get your own classroom!
Fantastic video! Kids are wonderful! They’re little adults learning to navigate this life and we need to have unlimited compassion for their well-being!
Gosh, I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school. You rock! I aspire to be a teacher of this caliber in my own style. I'm nervous, lol.
Oh man I see you! Tools of Titans - great book man. love catching you on my RUclips notifications!
I discovered your channel recently. Thank you for sharing your ideas. They are so helpful. I am a 10 year veteran teacher but always looking to up my game...thank you.
Thanks Elizabeth! I appreciate the comment. What do you teach?
I teach 12th grade English and Public Speaking. I have a similar sense of humor and enjoy doing quirky and unexpected things also.
I really needed this! Our school year isn't over yet but this one has been a doozie. It was my first year teaching 5th grade this year, having taught younger kids before that. I think I underestimated how difficult it can be to build relationships with kids when they're a little older, as with little ones I've always found it so easy because they tend to open up a lot more easily. I'm not used to having to actively put in effort to build those relationships as it usually happens naturally. But as soon as the hormones start going and they begin to care about what others think, it automatically gets harder. We don't go back to school until September so I don't know what grade I'll even be teaching next year yet (I KNOW) but even if I end up with younger ones again, I know I can implement a lot of these and be more intentional in my bonding with my kiddos. It will sure make the rest of the year a lot easier!
Thanks for sharing Reynolds, I like the idea of bringing THEIR interests.
Great meeting you at SJU's symposium. Your insight into how to connect with kids is spot on. I's a big upfront investment but the dividends can be huge. I can't wait to encourage my ELA teachers to play music while students share their writings. So simple so powerful!
Thanks Steven! It was great to be there. Best of luck brother!
“Nine times out of ten, I think - that’s an official statistic actually.” - Reynolds, 2018
Just found your channel and already watched a couple of videos, that's very helpful! thank you very much for sharing your tips!
I finished watching this video and asked myself: "why didn't those 4 watchers like this video?" Reynolds, I just loved it!!!!
Your students are so lucky to have a teacher like you! ALLLLL teachers need your videos. Thank you!
Thank you Diana. I REALLY appreciate it. ❤️
I love these tips and the idea of building relationships with students! Thank you for your videos:)
I LOVE the Waking Dead! Like you're not human if you don't.
Thank you. Im thinking about being a youth leader in church and this really helped me out
I have recently been hired for my first year of teaching - I’ll have 8th grade ELA and 6th-8th Drama. I’m so anxious to begin, nervous, and excited. Your videos have helped me so much to prepare for this fall. I’m excited to begin to nourish relationships with students, and your tips are so incredibly beneficial. Thank for all you do!
Hey Jess!! Congrats on your new position! It’s definitely a long wait through the summer. As your getting ready please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Peace👍🏽
Thank you! I’ll definitely be in touch
Sir! You got it! Continued blessings
I’m going to be a first year teacher in the fall of 2019 and these videos helps me so much, especially since I’m doing a career switch and my degree isn’t in education. Also, I will be 28 my first year teaching and I feel so behind my peers but I know our paths are similar on how we needed up in this field. Thank you for sharing all that you do! Classroom management and not making my lessons too boring are like my greatest fear. I want to teach history in middle school and I’m so nervous!
Wow, thats crazy. The struggle is so real right now lol. I'm glad someone else can feel what I'm saying. What was your biggest struggle during your first year?
psvixen that’s insane! Lol what grade do you teach? I want to do middle school. I take my certification test this fall for Texas then next year I’ll be looking for jobs. So nervous about it all yet super excited.
This was me a couple of years ago! I didn't start teaching until I was 27-28. It was a second career; my background was in law, not education, and it was terrifying. But I'm so glad to have made the switch. I'll be going into my 3rd year teaching 8th grade US history, and I love it (most days lol)!
Alexandra Whitehead Thanks so much for your response! Wow, law! My degree is in nutrition. Not having the background in education what did you find most challenging? You're teaching exactly what I want to teach, US history.
psvixen thank you!
You might have to play fortnite and outrank your students and talk about tilted towers.
We have a Friday afternoon Fortnite dance battle, brings the class together and shows them I'm at least a little bit human.
New 4th grade teacher (hoping for high school in the future). But what if you don’t have time for anything else outside of work? Lol
I mean...it’s a failing school and they pile tons of work on us, so outside of church and cake decorating that I only do every so often....I have no idea about anything else that’s new or ‘hip’. Lol
I moved from high school teaching in a midwest state to middle school teaching in Florida last year and felt lost when trying to talk to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. I've spoken to the younger teachers who are closer to their understand but eek! I appreciate you making this REAL video about teaching and leaving the textbook teaching at the door! :)
It’s my pleasure. 😊 Glad it helped.
This is great advice in building rapport with students. I love how you bring into perspective teachers who come from a different demographics from their students which is something that many teachers need to hear. Great video!
Thanks, I agree some teachers don’t even think about that fact ☺️ hopefully I can shed a light on how important that is!
This is very insightful 😍 you deserve all the respect👏👏
Hey Reynolds u re doing a great jobt out there, I wanna ask you if a student has a crush on u how should u react or behave as a teacher to keep your relationship with this student safe and get him understand that you re his teacher only, Can t wait to see your reply, thaaaanx
How do you know the limits of a relationship and what you can and can’t interfere with? Is there ever a time where you felt that you were crossing a line or too involved in their lives? What do you do when a child treats you as their parent figure?
Also I know you mentioned that you teach at an all boys school, but would you recommend these same methods for student and teachers who are different genders? Again how do you know when you are crossing a line
Also this is such a random question because I’m a highshcool student and don’t even want to be a teacher:) but just wondering
The phrase I try to live by is "You are there for them, but you're not friends with them." Your ultimate goal is to guide and inspire, not be their "buddy". Hanging out with them outside of school, agreeing with everything they say, trying to be "cool" by setting a bad example, all those things are off limits. If a student brings something to you that is beyond your pay grade, like the death of a parent or that they're considering self-harm or something like that, direct them to the school counselor or maybe the principal. Lines do need to be drawn, but you still want them to know that you are there for support
Those kids running around made me laugh so hard 🤣
That’s my crew!😂😂
Great job and videos Reynolds.... Def a new subbie!
Thanks! Welcome 😁
YES!!! It is all about the relationships! Love your channel
Another great video - thank you so much!
Hey Reymon, you re doing a great job out there, I wanna ask u if a student have a crush on u what would u do amd how shall u react as a teacher, I cant wait to know your pieces of advice concerning that, thaaanx
God I wish you were my teacher
Snooki’s bff is named Jwoww 😉 haha jersey shore was phenomenal
You're awesome and your hair is glorious!
So much great information. Thank you so much.
I love the idea of having lunch with the kids. I'm a band /music teacher so this isn't possible. What other ideas work?
You are awesome
This advice is golden
Thanks Deborah! 😊
Ohhh I love this!
Two Ian McEwan books are not together on his shelf and I'm taking time out of my day, that I don't have, to type this.
He will make a note of it and order more. 😂What would you recommend?
Ha, I was just kidding. I love the video. My favorite McEwan book is Atonement. I tend geek out over my own library organization. Keep up the good work.
I care about The Walking Dead xD in all seriousness, this was a great video. It reminds us to focus on how they can learn better instead of making it about us :)
Exactly! It should only ever be about the kids!!
Thanks for the “how.”
You are a real sweetheart.
You make it look so easy, in reality it’s hard
It’s totally hard. Today i found out some new dudes got moved into my classroom. I now have the most difficult class I could imagine. 😂😂😂 I just know that with the help of my friends at school I can do it. I really think you can too Sandhya!!!
I teach at FE college and I couldn’t teach at school. I ran screaming up the hill.
Hopefully I will get better somehow in classroom management
Some strategies what you mentioned works for me too. Thanks
Are you using a program like schoology? If not what are your plans with covid and zoom classes?
"Coral"
Rick Grimes
GTL!!!J-WOWW
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My pleasure! Glad I could help. ☺️
I spot another Tim Ferris book in the background
I have all of them except 4Hour work week in my classroom. I have tons of the books mentioned on his podcast too.
Imagine the message that would send, having the 4 hour work week book in class... "I'm a teacher who works super hard for my kids... but I WISH I only had to work 4 hours in the whole week"
Ratel.H Badger if he learns to be unconciously competent (autopilot) perhaps he would. Especially after 9 years...
Is it ever too late? If you’ve had a bad day with some kids who have been awful all day for whatever reason, and they’ve seen you frustrated & on the edge, emotional etc. is it too late to rebuild do you think?
It's never too late to rebuild a relationship. You are a human being and things happen. Look at it as a way of creating a moment for you to model for your students what it looks like to apologize, own your mistakes, and move on. You got this! Really.
This is an all boys school. :)
Great tips and strategies. However, it might be a good idea to eliminate the water guns, marking on faces for fun, as well as kids playing with play guns in the background. Building relationships are critical to student success and drive to do well. I wanted to share all of your videos, but because of the watergun tip, I decided not to share. Honestly, you should have so many more views! It's great stuff!! You are definitely a natural, and I totally get how you learn which kids you can play around with or not. It's just so risky in this day and age. Keep sharing your knowledge and expertise to support new or struggling teachers.
My problem is that I am supposed to talk to them in English everytime and that is not our mother tongue. They have a basic level of English. How am I supposed to create rapport then??
What can I do about a student that's always tardy?
Let’s say you have 25 students. How many students do you think you should check in with and ask these questions to? Should it be targeted to those more reluctant kids who have it hard?
My alumni section leader will ask me what's going on when I see him at practice and at different places.
Lmao I’m from Kansas
just popping in to say that the view count right now is 12325.. almost 12345, thats it. nothing more.
with the first point most kids don't do work because they need redirecting back to the work. Talking to them about their drama when your not a counselor is them taking the teacher off task. It's better to have respectful "oneliners" that work and use them effectively.
For example "that is really sad your cat died. Right now we need to complete numbers 1-5 on page blah blah blah. Then stand there and watch them get started without saying anything else.
have a back up oneliner ready to go if they stray again while your still observing. Something like "let me help you" "let's look at number 1" then start reading the question. literally prompting them every step of the way until they take off on the work themselves
Wait... Ur kids aren't interested in Kendrick Lamar?
They are 👍🏽
Let’s say you have 25 students. How many students do you think you should check in with and ask these questions to? Should it be targeted to those more reluctant kids who have it hard?