When one has a good and respectful relationship with students, then expectations are high. That is to say, I have noticed that students will rise-up to the high expectations in the classroom when they know that they are liked and respected.
Recently, I witnessed an example of this with a 7th grader that I teach. He sits in the front row and is attentive, always raising his hand. His enthusiasm in my art class is palatable. He works harder than any other students I have and trusts what I say.
Recently, however, I had to lightly reprimand him because he was talking too much in class. To my mind, this was an incidental moment but when I saw his smile disappear and tears well-up in his eye, I knew instantly that I should have handled the situation differently. He was my cheerleader and wow, I felt terrible!
During recess, I pulled this young student aside and explained why reprimanded him. and hoped that he would understand. While my little student recovered it took some time to rebuild our relationship. He is again working hard in class and waiting for me to praise his work and push him harder with high expectations.
I learned something valuable....even the best intentions of classroom management could be lost and the spirit of a student, broken, without intention.
I am lucky, that the majority of my students rise to the occasion of high expectations. I try to inspire them and when they see the results of their hard work, they are excited.
I want to be the teacher that inspires children to do things they never dreamed of!
In Matthew 19:13-14 "Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”