The Acorn and Dr. Z.

I've been studying the yearbook, determined to master students' names.  Surely, it's not an impossible task to learn 738 student names...even if it may be impossible to remember them.  But, I will do it!  By knowing who kids are, I make them feel special, give them a sense of belonging and contribute to the Truman family.

It's the end of September...think about the connections you've made with students.  Do you know all of their names?  Do you know who they are as a learner and a person?  Do you know their nickname, or like Mr. Gose, have you given them a nickname to build the classroom community?

When we know our students and understand them, we make them feel important.  And, when they feel important, they are more likely to show they deserve that status.  Students who want to please us will work harder, try more and learn more.  The relationships you build with students leads to their success.