we’ve all been there—that super cringey moment when we call a student by the wrong name or forget an allergy and almost send a pupil packing for the ER. YIKESERONI.
it's simple: children are loyal to those who know them, and even more loyal to those who know their friends.
some may say this rule is unfair, that i'm denying teachers our humanity. my friend, i didn’t write the rules. will i be canceled? try and remember.
when my students tell me details regarding their lives, i may record them in my planner, the same planner where i write my plans for the day. ideally, a student should not have to tell you twice that a particular family member has passed away, or their pronouns. if they do tell you twice, be sure to THANK them for reminding you. when we apologize, it puts students in the immediate position to tell us “it’s okay,” even when it may not be.
if you see a student with their sibling regularly, REMEMBER the sibling’s name, especially if your student is one who sometimes gives you trouble.
children try their best for people who know them and are committed to seeing them. at this age, a student’s sense of self is often gelled to their family’s identity. if you can remember their mama’s name, father’s name, or their granny’s name, you’re really in BUSINESS my friend.
the teacher next door to me keeps a birthday calendar, and when i build up the courage, i will copy her and get my own. heard it here first pooh.
and when you can, remember what a student has shared on an assignment, particularly a student who tends to find the classroom material challenging. this is a reinforcement just as powerful as a high grade. it shows you are engaged in their work and reciprocating their effort.
no one can remember everything or carry out everything on this list. mother teresa said (likely more than once) “if you can’t feed one hundred people, then feed just one.” each effort you make resonates, even if it is with one single child. each effort made counts and builds up over time.
when we remember students, we allow them to take up just an inch more of their rightful space.