Our Response Matters

Have you ever texted someone and seen the “read” receipt but not received a response? Or sent a card or gift to someone and wondered if they got it because you didn’t hear from them? A lack of reply when we reach out to others can be unsettling. A response, however brief, communicates appreciation and mutual respect.

Our students crave this same attention from us. When they share a story at the beginning of the day or write about an event in a writing notebook, they are sharing a piece of their lives with us. If we are hurried and ask them to tell us later, or don’t take time to read the work they share with us, we miss out on a valuable opportunity to connect and confirm that they are seen and heard.

We have good intentions, don’t we? Yet when the busy, pressure-filled hum of school life kicks in, we can get sidetracked by other things that feel more urgent.

This fall, when our plates are full and a crowded class of students is counting on us, let’s remember what a precious gift being present is.

When we make eye contact and greet each student as they enter, we start the day off with a personal touch. When we read and respond to a few writing notebooks each day, we get to them all in the week, imparting that we value their voice. When we give someone our undivided attention on recess duty, in the bus line, or as we walk down the hall, we communicate their importance to us.

It doesn’t take much to focus in, listen intently, and let them know we care. And since we understand the tremendous importance of response in fostering relationships, we know the benefits will be great.