How to be a favorite teacher of kids?

Children like a teacher not only based on their teaching skills but also look out for many other aspects in their teacher in the classroom. By making them like you as their favorite teacher in turn has an effect when you are actually teaching the subject.

This is predominantly applicable in the primary levels. As you move higher to the secondary or senior secondary, children start respecting you primarily for your knowledge on the subject and teaching skills.

Here are some tips to make children simply love your class.

1. Dress up well - You might be surprised to see this as a factor, but this is a very important factor. Children like teachers who dress up well. Wear bright colors, but, remember not to have too much make-up. Children prefer simple yet neat dressing. This gains you a star from them.

2. Have no favorites - In your course of plan to make yourself the favorite teacher, have no preference towards any particular child, in the primary levels, this affects the other children very much. Though, it is pretty natural to like a really cute, sweet, obedient child, you should try your best not to express that in the class in any visible way.

3. Allow children to talk - When a child has something to express, allow the child to talk and tell what he/she feels. This gives them a sense of freedom towards you which removes any inhibitions to participate in class.

4. Give a responsibility to everyone in class - Children love importance and attention. When a particular responsible child is given all the work to do, the other children feel left out and this in turn makes them get a "Why do I care" attitude. Giving even a small role/responsibility to a child makes him/her so happy and he/she puts in every bit of effort to complete it.

5. Never encourage complaining - Children tend to complain a lot about each other expecting you to support them. Ensure they are given a standing instruction - "Never Complain". Ask them to resolve the issue amongst themselves by using words like "Please", "Sorry", "Thank You" etc. Interfere only in serious issues.

6. Play games whenever/wherever possible - If you have the chance to be with your class for a free play or any other free period, involve yourselves in a game with them. Children love when you get to their level. This increases their bonding with you.

7. Eat with children - Try to eat lunch/snacks with the children when you can. Children love to share and eat with you which decreases any inhibitions they have. They feel really special realizing that a teacher eats with them.

8. Narrate stories - Children love to hear stories. By telling them moral stories, not only do you teach morals but also grab their attention to listen to you. You can also narrate stories of your childhood or stories which have someone they know as the main character. This makes them completely love the story.

9. Appreciate - Learn to appreciate even small things that children do and also encourage them to appreciate each other. Children always want that constant motivation from you. "Happygram" is a small piece of paper in which words of appreciation are expressed. Ask children to come forward and give happygrams to friends/classmates, thus increasing their bond with each other.

10. Have the magic touch - Small children love a pat or a hug always. Your touch works wonders. Giving them a hug makes them do a lot of things.

The above 10 points are from my experience with 8 year old children in my class. Implementing these ideas has made me their favorite teacher and the rapport I share with them gives me such happiness and satisfaction, that I love every moment of teaching in class.

Teachers who are reading this hub, do try to let me know if you liked my ideas.