Connecting with Students

by Allen N. Mendler

How many teachers take the time to connect with students on a personal level? How do you find the time, anyway? Teachers who manage to transcend the normal student-teacher relationships can benefit everyone in school--particularly the "challenging" students--and, along the way, prevent school violence, support school safety, improve school climate, and promote learning. In a time of an increasingly rigid "zero tolerance" of the slightest hint of violence, which results in automatic suspension or expulsion, Allen N. Mendler calls for a more caring, flexible approach to school safety.

Connecting with Students outlines dozens of positive strategies for bridging the gap between teacher and student through personal, academic, and social connections. Easily tailored to any learning environment, the activities and guidelines provide you with the tools you need in the classroom, from the "H & H" greeting to the "2 x 10" method and the "4H," "think-aloud," and "paradoxical" strategies.

As both teachers and administrators alter their own attitudes and behavior, they learn to listen to students and accommodate their needs. The end result will be lasting relationships that can foster deeper understanding and growth for educators and students alike. In this book, you will discover ways to stay optimistic and persistent and see your students as having something to teach you.

This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Dana Schnitzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up for free, knowing I needed to get some professional development hours in. It was written in the wake of Columbine-which is unfortunately all too relevant-in the interest of keeping schools safe, and supporting students (and teachers) well. I found the tone distasteful at first, and was thankful that education has come a long way in the past 20 years regarding "superiority complex" of adults in school scenarios, but as I read on, I found that he made some genuinely helpful suggestions, and is more relateable than he initially seemed. This book was short, contained mostly things I'm familiar with, and sometimes felt stilted, but I think it was an over all "net positive."

[Sara Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am no longer a classroom teacher, but I do appreciate the ideas. However, this book made it sound too easy. The reality of preparing lessons for multiple subjects daily, according to criteria set by administration, make fulfilling these ideals very difficult. I am one of the many teachers who left teaching because of the administration's lack of support.

[lingga ambarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini luar biasa, memberikan tips yang teknis sekali untuk menyentuh hati siswa, menjalin emosi, dan mendapatkan hak mengajar dimana siswa-siswa kita dengan suka rela mengizinkan kita untuk menjadi instruktur mereka di kelas.

Menginspirasi, dan membuat saya semakin sering mengimajinasikan how my class should be (haha... i'm really sure that i'm an INFP (absolutely dreamer))

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great resource by Mendler. A quick little guide with effective ways to connect with students, especially those that are disconnected from school. Again, a great resource for teachers and I read it every August!

[Jessica Nekuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I felt it was easy enough to understand and great for me as a para!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful.