HOW TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH THE STUDENTS?

Rapport is nothing more than a connection you make with your students based on their positive feelings for you. When they like you and trust you, and when you in turn like and believe in them, you’ll form a bond that makes classroom management a lot easier. 

Every teacher aims to establish a harmonious relationship with his or her students. Building rapport with the students is a work that is sometimes overlooked and undervalued by some teachers. This does not happen in just a snap of a finger. Doing such actually takes time and a lot of practice.

Indeed, building rapport with students is a process. It often takes weeks and months to establish a healthy student-teacher relationship, and such action can elevate the teaching-learning process that is taking place inside the classroom. Who wouldn’t want to end the school year with an effective and harmonious relationship with the students?

Here are the steps on how to effectively build such positive connection and relationship with the students.

1.   Never forget to smile genuinely.

In this way, students will be able to realize that the teacher in front of them is someone who is willing to connect with them.

2. Establish procedures and expectations on day one and enforce them consistently throughout the year. 

This would let the students know that you are serious in implementing the rules throughout the whole school year. 

3. Make time for non-academic discourse. 

With this step, you would be able to look into the other personalities of the students as you evade for a moment from the academic discussions.

4.   Tear down walls.

Some of the teachers have a hard time building rapport with the students, for they sometimes reprimand immediately the students who keep on misbehaving in the class. They show frustration, they scold, they lecture, and in so doing they erect a giant wall between themselves and their students. Indeed, building rapport is about tearing down walls, and some of which are put up by your students before you even meet them.

This process must be followed accordingly to draw your students to you and to build a genuine rapport. Such is indeed not an easy task for it takes patience, time, and effort to build this positive connection with the students. Building rapport with the students is truly beneficial not just for the teachers but also for the students since this is tantamount to creating positive emotional contexts for enhancing teaching and learning. 

PURELY DISCUSSION VS. TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

In this digital day and age, the ways of teaching writing among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners have greatly changed over time. In acquiring knowledge about writing, ESL learners can learn differently based on the methods used by the teacher in teaching the aforementioned matter. 

While some like to use the products of technology in learning how to write effectively, there are also those who prefer to have it through paper and pen. In teaching writing, which between the two would serve best for the ESL learners?

Paris (2014) has mentioned that lecturing or discussion is a teaching method that involves, primarily, an oral presentation given by an instructor to a body of students. As long as there is an authoritative figure (in any given context) at the front of a room, delivering a speech to a crowd of listeners is a form of discussion and lecture.

On the contrary, technology integration is the use of technology resources - computers, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, social media platforms and networks, software applications, the Internet, etc. - in daily classroom practices, and in the management of a school. (Lucas, 2007)

Well, these methods truly differ from one another. There is a thick boundary between the two, but both share the same goal in teaching writing – that is to develop the writing skills of the ESL learners at its fullest potentials. Certainly, these methods have their own advantages when used and incorporated in the writing class effectively.

ADVANTAGES OF DISCUSSION

1. Because discussion is delivered by one authoritative figure – a teacher, professor, or instructor of some other kind – that person has full reign of the direction of the lesson and the tone of the classroom. 

2. Lectures are literally just long-winded explanations of information, deemed important by the lecturer.

3.The lecture method makes the learning process mostly effortless on the part of the students, who need only pay attention during the lecture and take notes where they see fit.

ADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

1. The learners can make use of blogs and other computer-assisted programs in expressing their thoughts and opinion.

2. With the integration of technology in the teaching-learning process of the classroom, students can have fun while learning how to write effectively.

3. This method is anchored to the interests of the learners nowadays which would make them engage more into writing.

DIFFERENCES OF PURELY DISCUSSION AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

As for the differences of these two methods, discussion is sometimes plain and boring for the 21^st century learners since it is going to be the teacher’s sole job to instill in the students the basics and nature of writing. With regard to technology integration, it defocuses the learners as it offers different tools that engage the interests of the learners. It sometimes can lead to confusion because there are some teachers and learners who are still not into this method. They find it hard to use, utilize and maximize the use of technology in writing.

Indeed, these two methods, which differ in various aspects, aim to educate ESL learners in becoming effective writers of today. These may be used accordingly to achieve desirable results for the writing competence of the ESL learners.

THE TASK THAT GOT AWAY

   

Source of image: www.google.com

       “If others can, why can’t I?” This idea has been long out in the open to inspire that each one of us is capable of finishing or accomplishing our battles. We are all called to the call of success. 

   

Source of image: www.google.com

   However, as we go through with our own quests, others stumble and get stuck to the undone task. Such thing also happens to my pupils who seem to just settle for less – getting tasks undone.

Source of image: www.google.com

Whenever I give tasks to the class, there are really those who cannot finish theseatworks, quizzes, and even exams. This truly kept me wondering. Are my exams really that lengthy? Are they difficult? However, on a lighter note, I have pupils who can finish the tasks with even a commendable remark. What is happening to these pupils who don’t even mind to follow the path of success?



                
                                  Reasons for unfinished tasks: 

1. Learners don't have enough time.

2. Others simply don't want to do it.

3. They keep themselves busy with other things.

4. Others do not know what to answer.

            

Source of image: www.google.com

Source of image: www.google.com

Source of image: www.google.com

Right there and then, I have realized to work more on these pupils, so they wouldn’t be able to say – Oh, my, the task just got away.

THE GUY WHO ALWAYS SAYS "HI"

       

           Simple words like the ones used for greetings can truly touch a person's heart. A novice teacher like me has high regards for students who are sincerely courteous. Just because a teacher is new in the school, others just keep their cool and seem not to care at all. Students who greet teachers are verily commendable in these changing times. Luckily, I found one in my class. 

              There’s this one brave soul, a half-Lebanese and half-Filipino, who certainly moved me beyond my expectations. Even if his physical characteristics signal that he’s a foreigner, you would know by heart that he is a Filipino because of his traits that are truly admirable. He truly is remarkable because he also has a sense of humor. Despite all these overwhelming characteristics of his, he has multiple personalities inside the classroom. Kids, young as they are, can be really erratic at times. 

             

              Above all these unpredictable patterns of his behavior, there’s this one thing that this kid always does. The moment he arrives in the classroom every morning or wherever we meet in the hallways, canteen, library, or outside the school, he never forgets to say, “Hi, Teacher Erika!”, or “Good day, Teacher!” Indeed, this kid, without his knowing, has given my teaching life a delight. Despite the fact that students’ attitudes toward greeting or respecting teachers are currently deteriorating, I am still thankful that I have one who is sincere to make me feel that I am respected. This guy who always says “Hi” will never be forgotten as the days pass by.

Expect the Unexpected

      The year, 2016, was truly a blast for me. This year marked my official career as a teacher. In my first year of teaching, I really had a difficult time handling my first advisory class. Facing them each day was like a nightmare for me for the first few months. Anybody from the faculty would always say that my pupils are really hard to deal with because of their uncontrollable noise and behavior. Indeed, these kids gave me a baptism of fire in my first year of teaching. 

However, they have proven me wrong as time passed by. These kids have genuine hearts as well. Before, I really thought that I was just nothing for them but just their plain teacher. It may sound cliché, but it is true that we should really expect the unexpected. My pupils didn’t fail to amaze me on my special day. The unexpected birthday party that my pupils have prepared for me truly moved me. Such event was beyond my expectations.

          I was definitely taken aback. I never expected that my pupils would do something for me since I have been reprimanding them all the time. Their sincere messages and sweet hugs made me realize that these kids, although they get so naughty most of the time, have big hearts too. Both of the sections that I handled deeply moved me with their simple but meaningful surprises. I was truly overwhelmed during that time. I was really touched. This greatly gave me a humbling experience as their teacher. Their words changed my perspective over them. I knew from Day 1 of the school year that I love them; I wasn’t just sure if they also feel the same toward me. I cannot really contain my happiness. My feelings on my 22^nd birthday cannot be put into words.

      Truly, unexpected things come in different packages. I am just so grateful that mine was such a humbling experience – an experience that I will never ever forget. 

What else is my passion?

Aside from teaching, what are the other things that I am passionate about?

Well, I have a fair share of things that I am passionate about aside from teaching. Since time immemorial, I have been dreaming to decorate my own classroom. Truly, when the odds were in my favor, last school year, which was actually my first year also in teaching, I was given the chance to handle an advisory class. This responsibility gave me an avenue to fully realize my dream – to decorate my own classroom.

Since I like doing letter cutting and designing colorful visual aids, I have embraced these tasks of a teacher without hesitation.  This might be a tiresome job for some. However, in my own perspective, this task helps the teachers to develop their artistic side.

Quotes posted on the wall of my first classroom

So, when I was given the task to be a Grade Six adviser last year, I knew right there and then that I would be decorating my own classroom! Then, I conceptualized a design that was also appropriate to the grade level that I was handling. Doing the whole thing wasn’t really an easy task. However, I also wondered why I never get so tired of decorating my own classroom which I also considered as my second home. That was when I realized that doing such is definitely one of the things that I am passionate about.

Name of the section that I handle last school year

Name of the section that I am handling this school year

This school year gave me another chance to do this one of a kind passion again. I was tasked to handle the same grade level that I had before. At this moment, I anchored the theme of my classroom to my section’s name – Chalcedony. Blue Chalcedony is a demure crystal, subtle and mystic, cool and serene, ethereal yet solid. Since summer, I have worked hard to achieve the total effect of this concept. 

Welcome message

The quote posted above of the glass board reminds my pupils not to take each day of their lives for granted.

Decorating a classroom absolutely requires full commitment and dedication since we will be providing our learners an attractive and conducive learning place. This task shapes the atmosphere of the class and sets the mood of our students towards learning. As a teacher of the millennials, I have realized that this task must be properly done, so my learners could feel that their classroom is not just a plain room but also their home. 

Christmas decoration last school year

Christmas decoration last school year

Christmas decoration last school year

MOVIE REVIEW: The Trolls (2016)

The cast of The Trolls

THE HAPPY WORLD OF THE HAPPY CREATURES 

Dreamworks offered once again a movie that didn't just stir the minds of Generation Z but also all the generations that come before it. This movie, "The Trolls", is a happy movie that truly and surely colored the lives of everyone who watched it. 

Always spread positive vibes!

Inspired by the tall-haired troll dolls that first became popular in the 1960s, Walt Dhorn and Mike Mitchell successfully designed a movie that promotes happiness, acceptance of one's self, optimism, camaraderie and love among its viewers.

The story revolves around the lives of the happy creatures called the "trolls". These creatures mainly focus on the positive and bright side of life. They all live in a happy forest, and they sing songs that spread happiness, joy, and bliss to the members of their happy kingdom. They also hug a lot! They have colorful long hair that whips back and forth.

The colorful friends of Princess Poppy

However, the "trolls", just like humans, also have their fair share of struggles, agony, and misery. Their colorful, harmonious, and peaceful living is continuously haunted by the Bergens, creepy creatures that seek for happiness by eating the "trolls". The Bergens are the complete opposite of the Trolls. They are dull creatures that believed in their notion that they could only be happy if they'd be able to eat the happy creatures. This is where the conflict arises. The friends of the happiest born troll, Princess Poppy, were caught by the chef of the Bergens. With this dilemma, the trolls, spearheaded by Princess Poppy, were all up for a journey in saving the happy creatures of the happy forests. Their journey signifies the importance of unity in attaining the group's common goal. Although they are divided with different perspectives in life, they all agreed to consider each other's imperfections, flaws and differences.  

Chef of the Bergens

In totality, this movie is truly a jam-packed of color, positive vibrance, cuteness, adventure, comedy, agony, unity, and morals that are worthy to be embraced by its viewers. The theme songs and lighting that were used truly contributed a positive effect on the totality of the movie. The voices of the lead actress (Anna Kendrick) who played the role of Princess Poppy, and lead actor (Justin Timberlake) who played the role of Branchy, the grumpy best friend of the princess, added excitement and life to 
the movie. 

Love one another!

For 92 minutes, the eyes of its viewers were truly magnified of all the colors and glitters that are thrown to the audience. Indeed, this movie simply reminds us to always look at the bright side despite of all the challenges, struggles, and obstacles that life has to offer to us.  

Poppy declares HUG TIME!