Right now, I know from the friends I have who are spread across the globe, that school looks different for everyone. But one thing that’s the same for every teacher out there is the issue of connection.

Whether you’re in person or virtual, it’s always a challenge to hit your groove and really form a connection with the students you’re working with. The kind that puts tears in your eyes on the last day of school, because you’re sorry to see this particular group of kids move on.

The problem is that the teachers who know how to connect well often aren’t able to communicate how they’re doing it well.

It might be because they’ve got lots of experience doing it as a veteran teacher.

Maybe they’re gifted at communication and can figure it out as they go.

But if you are struggling with figuring out how to connect with your students, please know: you are not alone! And it is a very learnable skill.

5 INGREDIENTS FOR CREATING CONNECTION IN YOUR CLASSROOM

And that’s what I’m sharing today – the 5 best ways to create connection with your middle school students.

Be Authentic 

Share your struggles and mistakes.

Tell them exactly what you want  – share your “why,” your reason for being in the classroom

Be Honest

Get SUPER comfortable with saying “I don’t know.” And be sure to follow up with “Let’s figure it out together,” or “Why don’t you research it tonight and share what you find with us tomorrow,” or “Let me ask around and I’ll get back to you.” Then follow up!

Recognize when to say “I’m sorry,” and practice doing it graciously. That is modeling at its best and shows kids it’s okay to make mistakes, which builds trust, which – you guessed it – creates connection.

Be Yourself

This means being vulnerable about what makes you, you.

Share your funny quirks

Tell (appropriate) jokes that make you laugh,

Rock your style, and share your stories.

MOST OF ALL: share your problems and frustrations. Do talk-alouds as you work through solving problems and making decisions.

Recognize – and Take! –  Connection Opportunities

Sometimes it’s more important to take time to relate and share than it is to get through your content – learn to recognize those moments

Develop the discernment to know when to take them immediately, or to delay and hold out a time of connection as a carrot, or when to hold off completely.

Be Aware

They’ll make fun of you

Know what’s appropriate and what’s not

You’re making a difference – connecting with them models what it looks like to show up courageously, wholly yourself

JUST KEEP GOING

Your beginning attempts are going to be messy and awkward and probably a little frustrating. Things might turn out flat, or you may even crash and burn.

But just keep going! The more you practice connection, the better you’re going to get.