The importance of welcoming students

Of all the skills required of teachers, which do we focus on? Obviously, the transmission of information, support for learners and fair assessment, among others. Yet we rarely focus on the art of welcoming.

Indeed, it seems disarmingly simple, and there's no need to demand more. Yet this concern seems to be far more important than suspected, because omitting the art of welcoming can have major effects on children. In fact, whatever the training, it's essential, as we noted a few years ago.

The real effects of fostering

It may sound crazy, but scientific evidence shows the effect of fostering on students. Research published in early 2018 has confirmed what other studies have claimed. In this one, over 200 children in a dozen classes were evaluated. We know that school and its corridors at the start of the day can quickly become a shambles. As a result, learners can be rather dissipated, and teachers have to get them back in order. However, by greeting students at the door with a smile and a greeting, student engagement rose by 20 percentage points and disruptive behavior fell by 9 points. Other research has even shown that grades rose by 30% in a context of welcome from trainers.

The scientific literature seems to demonstrate a link between welcoming and learner engagement. The key is to know what kind of introduction works well. The recipe is not complicated. A positive attitude (a smile, enthusiasm about being there) has a big impact. Next, it's a good idea to individualize each person's entrance. Start by greeting people by their first name and asking them a simple question. Over the course of the year, as we learn a little more about each person, these questions can be personalized. Gestures such as high-fives, non-verbal signs like positive head nods or encouraging thumbs-up have a real impact. What's more, this welcome can be accompanied by small, sympathetic requests to engage learners already, by offering to prepare their desks, assist with teaching duties for the day, and so on.

Integrating students with the welcome

In fact, not only does the welcome create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students, it's also a good way of integrating them into the group. For example, in the case of more multicultural classes, or classes with children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, the welcoming techniques mentioned above help to break down some of the barriers. This shows that there is no judgment on the part of the teacher towards pupils, whatever their gender, social background, country of origin, religion, etc.

And there's no reason why children can't be involved in the process. For example, in this kindergarten class in Texas, every day a child greets his classmates with a handshake. Not only do they get this, but they're also greeted by name, with a smile and sometimes even a hug from the teacher and "greeter". In fact, this routine is so popular that everyone wants to be the one to greet the others the next day.

And let's not forget the effect on teachers. Creating a more positive atmosphere diminishes more obnoxious behavior and lowers the already high stress levels of the teaching staff. In fact, the idea of greeting and starting in a good mood can have a big impact. For example, this teacher from the Philippines showed the morning ritual with her students greeting in three different languages. The video went viral thanks to the children's positive energy, and has since been adopted by secondary schools and university faculties across the country. It just goes to show that simply starting the day by welcoming each other can change everything.

Illustration : bellmon1 Helping Hands via photopin (license)

References

"5 Simple Ways to Greet Students and Create More Engaged Learners" PBIS Rewards. Last updated: August 29, 2018. https://www.pbisrewards.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-greet-students/.

Boudreault, Marc-Antoine. "L'importance D'accueillir Ses élèves." LAUGHTER. Last updated: August 21, 2018. http://rire.ctreq.qc.ca/2018/08/limportance-daccueillir-eleves/.

Gabriel, Kathleen F. "Five Ways to Promote a More Inclusive Classroom." Faculty Focus. Last updated May 21, 2018. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/five-ways-to-promote-a-more-inclusive-classroom/.

Jean, Sylvie. "L'importance De L'accueil En Formation." Thot Cursus. Last updated October 13, 2016. https://cursus.edu/10864/limportance-de-laccueil-en-formation.

"Kindergarten Handshake Ritual is Kids 'favorite Part of the Day'." ABC News. Last updated May 30, 2018. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/teachers-meet-greet-routine-making-manners-matter-texas/story?id=55513728.

Terada, Youki. "Welcoming Students With a Smile." Edutopia. Last updated September 11, 2018. https://www.edutopia.org/article/welcoming-students-smile.

"WATCH: #GoodMorningTeacher is a High Energy Trend That's Taking over PHL Schools." GMA News Online. Last updated September 11, 2018. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/667310/goodmorningteacher-is-a-high-energy-trend-that-s-taking-over-phl-schools/story/.