George learns Rule #8:
Love Your Passengers
Throughout the book, and this blog, we've read and discussed that enthusiasm and positive energy is important for relationships and, ultimately, success. But more important than a great, positive outlook is the simple concept of loving your passengers. This is what keeps them on the bus for the long haul.
Jack gave George a list of Five Ways to Love Your Passengers, which George read before heading into the office.
1. Make time for them.
2. Listen to them.
3. Recognize them.
4. Serve them.
5. Bring out the best in them.
Which of these do you feel you do the best with? Which of these is toughest for you? When pondering these questions, you can consider your students and/or your coworkers.
I spent some extra time catching up on The Energy Bus today as I fell behind reading it. I'm glad I did and I feel energized heading into this week after conferences! While reading this chapter I couldn't help but think about my students and how I approach them and my actions in class. Recently I have been contemplating the language and tone of voice I use with my students as a group. I have been using a disappointed voice very often. Even though I feel like I have been more positive then in past years I realize that I may be consistently using a negative disappointed type tone with them and not showing them appreciation for doing good things such as working cooperatively in groups. With all this being said I think that I do the best job at recognizing students. I would like to be better at all 5 things, but I do like to recognize students especially those who are not usually recognized for doing something good. The toughest for me is to make time for students and to listen to them. I really think these to go hand in hand and sometimes I have my learning goals for the class in mind and look to avoid class interruptions even though they would help the overall class purpose in the long run.
ReplyDeleteWhile I need to work on being better at all 5 of these, I think I am best at recognizing them. I know about many of them outside of school, whether it is because I have coached them, they are friends with my kids, I go to church with them, they are in band, etc. I try to show interest in them and their interests. I try to make eye contact and say "Hi" when I see them in the halls as well as outside of school. I believe that building relationships with them is a way of showing them that I care about them. I am not as good at making time for them and listening to them. I get bogged down in all that is happening during the busy day, and sometimes miss out on this great opportunity to get to know them and find out what they really need. I really want to work on that.
DeleteI don't think I listen or make time well for students. I think I give it a try, but I don't know how well I really listen to them or make time for them. I sometimes just hear what they say but not necessarily understand or comprehend exactly what they are saying. I would like to get better at all five items. I think in my class, I serve my students needs. I feel like I do things that will better serve them.
ReplyDelete