Cindy Black Blog Post #7- Bond with Your Students/Chapter 2 -Routman

   After reading "Bond with Your Students," I totally agree with Routman! By teaching kindergarten this is essential to their development as readers and learners. Routman says, "look at the students in the eye with interest, acceptance and curiosity." We as educators need to bond with our students if we want them to learn anything at all. Even though we have students who are difficult we must bond with them and show them love to be successful. Routman states, "this is not a choice but a duty and responsibility we owe each child."
 
   Bonding is not talked about only curriculum and standards. The first step is to connect with the lives and spirits of our children. "Unless we reach our students hearts, we have no entry into their minds." We teach through certain techniques and get children to perform but will it make a lasting impression and desire to continue on their path of learning? "We cannot teach our students well until we show them we know them, care about them, and connect with them."

     I love the way Routman states kindergarten teachers have always done a great job in making their students really believe they can read, whether they actually can or not. Kindergarten is a critical age to develop bonding. By starting at an early age this will give them the ability to continue to learn and be successful as they grow. We encourage and convince them to become better readers every day. Kindergarten students love to talk and tell stories. It is easy to bond with them on a personal heartfelt level. Occasionally, I have one or two who like to stay to themselves and not interact with the class but by having one-on-one time with these students they really start to open up and will continue to come to me for anything they need help with. This makes me as a teacher feel good to know they trust me. By bonding with these quiet students they become more independent and their confidence levels grow tremendously.

    I always enjoy relating everyday life experiences with our class. They love to hear my stories and love to relate mine to something of theirs. I learn from them and enjoy and take in all that they tell me. Bonding with kindergarten students is easy and one I can proudly say I do a good job at. Making my students fill that enjoyment and pride of accomplishment is definitely a priority I strive for.