10 Critical Connections
Regardless of whether your students see you as hip, cool, and "with it'' or square, cold, and "out of it," students want to connect with their teacher. From a biological standpoint, we are born to connect. Our brains notice, engage, and potentially copy others' emotions and behaviors. Your emotions, your body language, and the words you speak influence your students. Students pick up verbal and nonverbal communications. Part of the success of the super teacher comes from creating a connection with students that's so strong it enhances student mood, reduces discipline, and strengthens motivation. This chapter focuses on the specific strategies that can help you make that happen.