Back to School: 4 Visible Maneuvers to Lead Students to Rise to Expectations

Have a student that just does not feel motivated to follow through classroom expectations?   My life in the classroom for the last 17 years has been quite a wonderful journey!  Teaching students from Pre-K through 6th grade as well as raising one of my nieces, I have most certainly seen my fair share of happenings.  Here are the top 4 visible maneuvers to lead students to rise towards classroom expectation:

1. When talking with a student, maintain full eye-contact to show that you care and want the best for them.
2. If they need to finish a project/activity, hold them accountable by writing them a short message that you expect the project/activity to be completed. (Use their first name several times during the conversation when handing him/her the short message.)
3. Show the student personally (one-on-one) the task to make sure they understand the assignment. (Another example of how to show the student that you care about them and their progress in your classroom.)
4. When you see them moved towards the classroom expectation, make sure that the student is recognized for moving towards the expectation by giving them a verbal or non-verbal praise.  (High 5, "Way to go!", ect...)