Phil Harrison Coaching

The musical The King and I may seem a bit dated, but it is still worthy of watching. In the musical, the King hires a teacher to be the governess and educator for his children. When the governess first meets the children, she sings the song “Getting To Know You” as a way to start learning about her new students and making vital connections. 

While I don’t expect you to break into song in your classroom (although I would thoroughly enjoy it!), the sentiment remains the same. Teachers need mechanisms to get to know students in order to make connections vital to learning. In the book Teach for Authentic Engagement, author Lauren Porosoff shares the following eight questions that can be used in the classroom to help make teacher-student connections (p.31):

1. Who are some of the people who have influenced you or who are a big presence in your life? Students may mention family members, friends, or historical figures they have heard about. Make note of the people who are important to your students. 
2. What places do you feel connected to? Students may mention home, a vacation spot, or a particular building. Note these locations and find ways to bring them into your classroom work. 
3. What activities do you do? Students may mention athletics, scouts, local youth organizations, and similar activities. As you are able, ask students about their experiences when they enter the room. If your schedule allows, go to a student activity or two. 
4. What issues matter to you? Students may mention the environment, health, politics, or similar big picture types of things. Plan for some ways to connect your content to these issues as appropriate. 
5. What communities do you belong to? Students may mention groups based on culture or faith. Listen carefully and consider how you might engage the student within these contexts. 
6. What topics matter to you? Students may mention areas of particular passion. Build on those passions. 
7. What events are important to you? Students may mention holidays, festivals, or school events. Be mindful of these events and plan to use them within your classroom. 
8. What qualities do you find important in yourself and others? Students may mention things such as honesty, integrity, persistence, and creativity. Find ways to accentuate and build upon these qualities in your classroom. 

As you prepare for next week, think of how you might bring these questions into your classroom. Give students an opportunity to introduce themselves to you. Both you and your students will be glad you made the connection!