Getting to Know Students
From Bold Idea Knowledgebase
So, it's your first session with the students. You don't know them, they don't know you. What's your first step.
Navigate the awkward jitters with these pro tips to get to know students:
- Proactively approach them with a smile and outstretched hand. Introduce yourself and ask for their name.
- Ask them open-ended questions; for example: What are your favorite subjects? What are your hobbies? Have you done coding before. (If not) What got you interested? What are you curious about? (If so) What kind of projects have you done before? Which one was your favorite?
- Find what you have in common and share that.
- Treat them like they're your age. Students, especially teens, will increase their level of maturity to match your expectation of them. They appreciate the sign of respect.
- Sit down next to them and work at their level. Don't hover above and behind them. Remember: You're learning together. Git rid of the hierarchy.
- Play an icebreaker game together
- Set boundaries. When students first meet you, they are learning what they can get away with. They are testing you. Convey your authority as the adult early, and students will come to respect you and your role. You can be both the friend and the firm adult. Read more about classroom management and creating a team contract .