When my son returned home from school, his face lit up with excitement as he held a piece of paper tightly in his hands. “What’s that, sweetheart?” I asked, kneeling to meet his gaze. “I earned an award!” he exclaimed joyfully. This recognition was a testament to his hard work in articulating his needs and responding appropriately in various situations. His achievement was celebrated with a “Do the Right Thing Award,” announced over the speaker for all his classmates to hear.
Parents can universally affirm the impact of positive reinforcement and meaningful connections on children. It’s not merely about giving every child a ribbon or a gold star; it’s about the simple acknowledgment that fosters a sense of belonging.
In an insightful video from Edutopia, produced by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, we see the profound effects of educators taking a moment to engage with students through gestures like eye contact, encouraging words, and high-fives. The results are remarkable.
Why Connections Matter
Why do these small gestures hold such power? According to Dr. Pamela Cantor in the video, “When children experience closeness, consistency, and trust, oxytocin is released. This hormone has numerous beneficial effects on brain development.” Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin enhances feelings of attachment and promotes positive emotional experiences.
The video illustrates that when teachers and school staff cultivate positive, lasting relationships with students, those students are more likely to excel academically. They feel safe, valued, and prioritized. In essence, a connected student is a more engaged learner. Relationships are not just important; they are transformative in the educational journey.
I witnessed this firsthand during my nine years of teaching college English. Many of my students faced significant personal challenges. One student dealt with a critically ill parent, while another was a single mother juggling two jobs alongside her studies. I made it a point to prioritize the human aspect of teaching. I arrived early to greet students and stayed late to offer support. I assisted those needing help with disability services or who sought counseling for mental health struggles.
Because my students knew I genuinely cared about their well-being, they were more present, engaged, and motivated to improve their work. I observed that those with whom I built strong connections often achieved better grades—not due to favoritism but because they were actively involved in their education.
So, when my son proudly presented his award, I celebrated wholeheartedly. I recognize that success is not a given for all children, but I also understand the impact of caring individuals like his principal, teachers, bus driver, and speech therapist, who encourage him to reach his potential.
The sentiment from The Beatles’ song “All You Need is Love” resonates here. Connection is simple yet profoundly influential. Unfortunately, teachers often operate under immense pressure, juggling numerous responsibilities while being overworked and underappreciated. However, the video highlights that taking just a few seconds to offer encouragement can dramatically enhance a child’s day. For many students, these moments may represent their only source of connection with a trusted adult.
Imagining a Better Future
Imagine if every morning began with this kind of greeting. What kind of transformation might we see? Would students be more inclined to achieve academic success if their fundamental needs were prioritized rather than overlooked? We likely know the answer.
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Summary
Schools should prioritize fostering connections over grades to enhance student engagement and academic success. Positive reinforcement and meaningful relationships create an environment where students feel valued and are more likely to thrive.