If you’re a regular reader of SCM, then you know how important it is to build trust and likability.
Together, they cause students to want to please you and behave for you. They give your consequences muscle and meaning.
They help create a classroom your students love being part of.
In our books and here on the website, we’ve covered many ways of doing this.
In fact, everything we recommend either directly or indirectly supports these two invaluable teacher traits.
From kindness and consistency to calmness and humor to simply refraining from using negative methods.
They’re the source from which flows the leverage you need to manage any group of students.
Today, I want to share with you a simple way to instantaneously build greater trust and likability with your entire class.
The way it works is that after first greeting your students for the day, you’re going to take a moment to express your appreciation for them. You’re going to share with them just a couple of things you like about them as a group.
It isn’t praise, per se. It’s more of an expression of your gratitude.
Example:
“I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your hard work, your kindness, and your willingness to listen and help each other become better students. I appreciate how much fun we have together and how you smile and say hello when you walk through the door. I’m happy to be your teacher, and I just wanted you to know that.”
Then pause and allow your words to sink in for a few seconds before moving on with your day. And that’s it. It’s a wee little gesture, but it can be so, so meaningful to students.
Just knowing that they’re appreciated is a strong motivator—study after study proves this to be true—but it also results in a reciprocal appreciation for you.
It causes a disarming softness, quietness, and ease in their bearing and attitude. It opens their awareness to all that you do for them.
It some ways, it’s a restart, a refresher and reminder that through your constant, daily expectation of excellence, you know what it’s like to be in their shoes. You know how much they’re stretching themselves to become better, more responsible students.
There is a deep trust in this understanding that draws them ever further into your sphere of influence. You can almost hear their collective exhalation when you finish speaking and feel any lingering pressure release from the room.
It’s real and palatable.
Now, it’s important to mention that your students don’t have to be perfect to express your appreciation. You’re speaking to them both in terms of what you see now and who they’re becoming.
You’re simultaneously fine-tuning, encouraging, and raising the stakes on your classroom tone and tenor while triggering the law of reciprocity that resides in every student.
So take a few moments to really think about your class. What is it about them that you’re grateful for? What makes you smile? What are you proud of?
Now go and tell them.
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Thank you sir
You’re welcome!
How can I get elementry e guide.
The elementary e-guide will be available in early May. We’re unsure of the date but will let readers know in a couple weeks.
And what if they laugh in your face?
Hi Amber,
This would only happen if you’ve lost control of your class. In which case, I definitely don’t recommend the strategy. Instead, it’s best to start over again as if it’s the first day of school. Here is an article to help:
https://smartclassroommanagement.com/2017/12/09/how-to-start-over-in-three-steps/
Hi Michael,
I’m a consistent blog creator and have all of your books. I teach fourth grade and your information is always spot on. I know you have taught PE before; now in addition to being a fourth-grade teacher I am the coach of a 12-year-old baseball team. Do many of your theories apply in sports as well as in the classroom?
Hi Greg,
I strongly believe that they do. This is an area I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. It’s a ways down the list of future projects, but definitely something I want to explore. Have a great season!
Lovely article and Mr. Linsin you have so meaningfully described the aspects of motivating the students. I have believed in the same during my all 33 years of teaching. For sure we need to respect our students, their feelings, and then guide them. I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
Thanks Neena!
Hi Michael
Commendable effort guiding teachers.Do u have any guidelines for principals also? Just curious!!!!!!
Hi Serene,
Thanks! The only resource we have for principals is the Recess Guide (bottom right sidebar).
I work in an urban district. The children have many behavior issues. I have studied your materials, and have incorporated your philosophy into my art classroom. Recently, I was assigned to a new school where the children do not know me and the prior teacher allowed children to do anything and throw crayons around the room. I realize that I have not been able to keep my cool with a couple of troubling classes in this building. I have of 12 classes, three of them that I haven’t been able to make much progress with. Although very successful with my other building, I am struggling with the new one. I have not been able to keep my cool, in terms of showing my anger through sarcasm and lecturing them. Although I know it won’t work, they do get to me and I would like some advice on how I can work within myself, to turn this around. I do recognize that though they are a very tough group, I am not handling myself at my best in these classes. Thanks
Hi Eileen,
There is a cost involved, but I definitely recommend personal coaching. It’s the only way I could learn more about you and offer reliable advice.
What grade are you teaching?
Great advice. Something we sometimes forget to do. They are people after all and people deserve respect whatever. Thanks from New Zealand.
My pleasure. Thanks Helyn.
Thanks again, Mr. Linson.
Once again-you’ve hit the nail on the head.
Your advice is always so on the mark and appreciated.
God bless you!
Thank you, Nechama.
Wonderful! You always give me new insight and reasons to be excited about my students.
Thank you Michael!
I’m so glad, Amor. Thank you!
This is great advice. We often forget to just hug them and make them feel valuable. I will try this tomorrow. I often find solutions on your website.
Thank you,
H Smart
Glad you think so, H Smart. Thank you.
This website is just the best! Thank you so much for these simple, yet profound insights that can be instantly applied. I do this with my class but the way it’s worded here takes it to a new level. It’s brilliant. Thank you!
It’s my great pleasure, Erica! Thanks for your wonderful comments, very appreciated.
I was wondering how do you keep students accountable when the students don’t care about their future. How do you create engaging lessons day after day and not get burnt out? I feel as though its unrealistic to expect a perfect classroom for every period. There needs to be more support for teachers just to even get through the day. Any suggestions?
Hi Adama,
I wrote a book on this topic called The Happy Teacher Habits. I hope you’ll check it out.
Love it.
Any learning environment that is effective is also a very vulnerable space for students to inhabit every day – if we can’t express appreciation for their showing up for that, we might as well stay home