In my ME BAG I have a special pen (because I always wanted to be a teacher), a penguin from my collection, a book, ticket stubs and a family photo. I explain why each item is signficant. Then I give the bag with directions to each student.
CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR A FREEBIE
2. Would You Rather?
I use Would You Rather questions because they are fun and easy. Click on the picture to get a Would You Rather Freebie. This is a great way to connect with students. I share my opinion too! If you want more WOULD YOU RATHER activities, click on the green button below.
Students learn better from teachers that like them and care about them. We know this, but students need to know this too. During the first week, I send home a personalized note to each student. After that I continue with positive notes weekly for 2-3 students. These notes can be emails, phone calls, or postcards in the mail.
4. Theme Days
Another way I engage with my students is with theme or dress up days. If the whole class earns a reward, we often have pajama day and I always participate -with my special school pajamas! I also try to incorporate theme days at least once a month where students can dress up as we learn about a topic! Examples include wear red, white and blue for Patriot Day (September 11) or Veterans Day (November 11); Wear polka dots for Dot Day (September 15); and Dress up like a book character for National Author’s Day (November 1). The possibilities are endless!
5. Lunch Bunch
One of my favorite ways to engage with students is a strategy I call LUNCH BUNCH! Every Friday 5 students come to classroom and have lunch with me. They meet me in the cafeteria with their lunchbox or tray and then we go eat together. The students share with me and I always learn something new about them!
I hope that these strategies were helpful in helping you connect and engage with your students.