It's heeeeeeeerrrrrrrrre! You know what I'm talking about, right? September 1st, Labor Day, big yellow bus........Back to school!
Parents and their children are not the only ones who get excited during this special time. A teacher shared the following blog with me and I couldn't help but absorb it not only as a parent, but also as someone who cares a great deal about mentoring. The 12 Most Important Things Children Want From Their Teachers can also be applied to mentors and mentorees.
Angela Maiers, Family & Parenting blogger and teacher, has greeted her students for the last 20 years with this question: "Can you give me advice on how to be the best teacher?" She has shared the 12 most popular answers she has received with all of us to ponder. Whether you look at this list from the standpoint of parent, teacher, mentor, or mentoree, we can all take away some good lessons.
1. Greet me each day
Wish me good morning, and send me off with a “see ya tomorrow.”
2. Smile
When you look at me, let me see happiness in your eyes.
3. Give me your attention
Sit and talk with me privately; even if only for a second.
4. Imagine with me
Help me dream of things I might be able to do; not just the things I need to do now.
5. Give me challenging content and assignments
Show me how to handle it. Teach me what to do.
6. Ask about me
Inquire about my weekend, the game a played, the places I go. It shows you care about my life.
7. Let me have time
Time to let things sink in. Time to think. Time to reflect, process, and play.
8. Demand of me
Hold me accountable to high standards. Don’t let me get away with what you know I am capable of doing better.
9. Notice Me
Leave special messages in my desk or locker. Just a quick not that says you notice something right.
10. Let me ask the questions
Even if they are off topic. It will show that I am thinking about new perspectives, curious, and willing to learn more. Let me have the chance to show what I am wondering about, not just what I know.
11. Engage me
I came to you in love with learning, keep me excited, keep me wanting more.
12. Trust me
Believe that I can do it. Allow me the chance. I promise to show you I can.
Powerful stuff, right? There is a whole lot there to absorb. I will print this list and tape it up on my desk and use it as a guide. I hope that you will too.
On a lighter note, I can't resist but to share this Staples Commercial that plays every year around this time. I laugh until I cry every time I see it. Enjoy!