Five Love Languages of Teenagers

The personal touchHow to connect with your students * Maintaining professional boundaries* Getting involved beyond the classroom * Letting them know you care * Combining academics with relationship

By Karen m. Cline

Five Love Languages of Teenagersby Gary Chapman

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION Proverbs 18:21The tongue has the power of lifeand death and those who love it will eat its fruit.Well doneGood jobYou did your bestThanks for your hard workFantastico

WEBSITESwww.5lovelanguages.comTake the love language quizwww.focusonthefamily.comSix Ways to build your Teens identityEquipping your Teen with CharacterLoving your Teen through Lifes SeasonsIntentionally Focusing on your Teen

Six Ways to Build your Teens IdentityBrick #1 Encourage Self DiscoveryBrick #2 Acknowledge Natural AbilitiesBrick #3 Create a School/Class MottoBrick #4 Value UniquenessBrick #5 Highlight Spiritual GiftsBrick #6 Reinforce Spiritual Identity

Advice from colleagues

I think just being able to relax and hang out with kids goes a long way with thembeing interested in their lives (and knowledgeable about teenager stuff). And Ive found that checking back in with kids once theyve shared things with me is really importantshows them that youve remembered them and that you care. Treat them with respectGo to as many outside events for them that you can (ball games, etc)Care about the things they care about (try to find lessons, books, activities that go along with their interests)Celebrate with them (birthdays, Christmas, good news)Help them through a rough patchPray with them and for themBe transparent and share personal stories with them (of course, when appropriate)Accepting them for who they are, and not comparing them to other students.The best advice I can think of is to treat the students the way I want my daughter to be treated. Be willing to go the extra mile when you can. I would tell a new teacher to be sure that his/her students know they are loved byshowing interest in the students lives, asking what they enjoy doing, greeting them with a smile and How are you? every day, even if you dont feel like it, showing respect no matter what, disciplining when necessary, but with loveHave time to chatAsk questions to find out about them and then LISTENDont pushI would say to start off strict to gain respect of your students and to establish a productive environment and then let loose after you have already earned respect. It is so much easier to do it this way than the opposite. Children look for expectations and limits and are successful when they are clear.I go to their sports games: football, baseball, basketball, volleyball etcAlsodont try to be a friendmaintain a professional stance, but let them know that you careShow positive reinforcement and recognition in the classroomInterest yourself in the students interest. Ask them questions??? Take time to listen and respect their opinionsFood, Fun, Fellowship. Take yourself out of the teacher environment.

Interview with JolyndaWhat is a key for you in developing relationships with older students?- They know I am interested in them, and that I care about them. I use a balance of joking and work time.Do you parent differently than you teach?- Yes, sometimes I think I should teach more like I parent.Does outside the classroom activities help in building relationships? How?-Yes! Students like to see their teachers supporting them. I am sponsor for Beta/NHS and go to a lot of sporting events and cheer for them. I also notice their birthdays.What other ways do you use?- Meet and greet at door; use their name; have them tell me a little bit about themselves; joke with them, and share about myself.How do you handle discipline in classroom?- I write names on board, give break detentions (I talk with them during this about what they have done), and I make sure I speak to the student first before I speak with parent.How do you bring out the best in students?- I use words of encouragement and identify or read my kids. I also ask them questions and feel them out.

Classroom Observations Mrs. Jennifer SmithProfessionalSmilesAsks students questionsHad the students dig deeperSet a mature example with sensitive subjects

Mr. Ken SirmansGot right to workProvided insightAsk thought provoking ?sCorrects misbehaviorFirm but friendly

How am I Using What I Learned in my Classroom?I am taking the time to get to know my students by asking them questions, going to their events, and interacting with them outside of the classroom. I am praying regularly for them and about our relationships asking God to give me insight and sensitivity. This project was helpful in that much of what my colleagues shared, I am already doing and have over the years, so it was an encouragement.I have fallen in love with teaching high school students.