3 FREE GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE YOUR STUDENTS

It’s the season of giving!  And, of course, we have our students on our radar, but this year, aside from heading to the Dollar Store for candy canes, consider these real and lasting gifts you can give your students.

1.      The Gift of Being Present

Do you remember the last time you dashed around the room as a student, hot on your heels, was pouring their heart out about what they did the night before?  You nod, smile, and say, “Really?  Wow. Uh huh.  Cool.”  But, they know you aren’t completely there.  Sounds familiar? What if you stopped, just for a minute, to genuinely listen and give them your complete attention.  You looked into their eyes when they spoke and showed them what listening looks like. You showed them that that you care. Sadly, research tells us that fewer and fewer students receive this kind of focused attention at home. Consider taking a few moments out of your day to be present for your students.

2.      The Gift of an Authentic Compliment

We have all stood outside our door and high-fived a student while exclaiming, “Cool haircut!”  And, while there is not a thing wrong with that, an authentic compliment based on character is infinitely more powerful…and memorable.   Have you ever had a teacher say something positive that has stuck with you over time? It likely wasn’t about your new haircut. Try giving compliments such as, “You impressed me today with your focus in class.  I could see you putting forth so much effort!”

3.      The Gift of Loving Learning

Okay, please don’t roll your eyes at me.  Think about this for a minute.  Consider the best teacher you ever had and the impact they had on your life.  Now turn the table and reflect on the worst teacher you ever had.  Teachers are powerful.  You can single handedly turn a student on or off towards learning. Do you enjoy what you do and love what you teach? If so, it will be contagious. Your passion and power can unearth an interest that could turn into a career path.  But, even more importantly, you have the power to create lifelong learners, a priceless gift!

I realize you probably still have plans to pick up candy canes. But, consider these simple gifts, too, not just in the next few weeks, but as you head into the new semester.

Thanks for all you do teachers! Enjoy your holiday break!


:) Brandy