More About the Book

From my experience in working with at-risk students over the last 20 years, I have learned that students want to get to know you personally—they want to see pictures of our kids, dogs, or cats. They want to see us dance, laugh, cry, play Uno, or just act silly sometimes.  They also want you to see them at football or basketball games, or playing in the band, or singing in chorus. In other words, they want your attention outside of schoolwork.

It has been said that I’m like a ‘Fairy God-Mother’ who sprinkles fairy dust on all my kids, and they turn into awesome students! Now, I am sharing with you my secrets to having the best group of students in the building every year.

I have consolidated my toolbox to 7 keys that will help you build a lasting relationship with your students:

  • Key #1 showed you how to take time to get to know your student’s interests while also allowing them time to chat about their lives outside of school.
  • Key #2 reminded you that when you welcome each student into the classroom with a fist bump and a smile, it will bring a positive rapport into the classroom every day, by building positive connections before getting into the lesson.
  • Key #3 revealed that a high-five is a quick and easy tactile communication technique that is known to increase cooperation, to convey positive emotions, and to provide a sign of trust.
  • Key #4 shared that giving a student a class job that relates to their personal interest not only keeps them motivated to complete their classwork, but also makes the student feel like an expert, smart, valued by the teacher, and respected by their peers.
  • Key #5 reiterated that the consistency of showing day-after-day kindness, gentleness, and good humor, when freely given, no matter what’s happening in a students’ lives, or how they’re behaving, will help to change their behavior for the better.
  • Key #6 recapped how celebrating success is a powerful motivator for students to behave.
  • Key #7 is a constant reminder to share what you now Don’t be afraid to think and act outside of the box.

I firmly believe that if you consistently use each key, not only will you begin to see big changes in your students, but you will renew your love for teaching.