You've Gotta Connect by James Alan Sturtevant

by James Alan Sturtevant

Demonstrates how to build a strong student-teacher connection in the classroom. A secure and trusting relationship between teacher and students is at the heart of positive discipline and a safe, productive classroom. The positive effects of building teacher-student relationships impact all aspects of classroom life. Students come to class and like to be there, they are more engaged in learning, they retain more of what they learn, and their creativity is unleashed. There are fewer behavior issues, lower dropout rates, and more harmony between class members. With humor, practical action steps for the teacher, and a few wacky stories, Jim Sturtevant shows all educators how to connect with students and operate a classroom in ways that show acceptance, breed mutual respect, handle and reduce conflict, build self-esteem, support students in trouble, and add peace and enjoyment.

Genres: Education, Teaching

Paperback

First published March 4, 2014

Reviews

[Lynnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for new teacher and a refresher for me.

[Jeremy Bonnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some good ideas that I will definitely be working on this summer for use in my classroom when school starts back in August. I've got quite a few sections highlighted to go back over and study up on. I really liked the Action Steps and reproducible questions / survey sheets at the end of each chapter. For anyone looking for a solid book on connecting with students, this one fits the bill well.

[Marc Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in education!

Sturtevant has written about developing better relationships with students. Each chapter has clear action steps to take to reflect on and grow your connections with students and colleagues. The chapters support the ideas and provide inspiration for implementing the action steps and building connections. As a whole the book motivates me to want to build better connections with everyone.

[Gillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I totally agree with Sturtevant's emphasis on building connections with kids. He seems like a great teacher, and he fills his book with lots of sound advice. My biggest complaint is that he has so many activities designed to help a teacher improve their connections, it seems unlikely that anyone could ever carry them out. I found this overwhelming, and it left me feeling like there was actually not that much I could latch onto that I didn't already know.

[Jennifer]

I don't really know how to rate this book. Is it a good place to start a discussion? Sure. The action steps would be great in a group setting. Was the content anything eye-opening? No. I have 7 years of teaching experience and have had 4 student-teachers. I feel like this book presents basic knowledge for why and how you can connect to students, information even my student-teachers knew. Basically, I don't know who I would recommend this book to.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, with lots of practical things to try in the classroom. Most of this was in my opinion common sense stuff to do, but I can see where some people have trouble connecting with students and this book would offer ways to help them.

We did this as a staff book study.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a nice reminder of what a teacher needs to do and be in the classroom.

[Sean Deegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful reminders for how much of what we do and say is being watched by students. Helpful tricks and ways to challenge yourself and commit to being unbiased.

[Joe Evener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book for teachers! It was on point on how to understand the students' perspectives, how you can improve your relationship with them, and by doing so, create a learning environment that both the students and the teacher can enjoy and learn. Definitely a book I will pick up over and over throughout my years of teaching.

[Courtney Cahoon White · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for new teachers or those who have lost their way. I didn't find anything brand new in it though.

[Heather Stringham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Ideas

I want to feel like I am really knowing and understanding my students. This book gives good ideas on how to do that as you're beginning. It was not as helpful for me.