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I think we get so used to being behind screens and our students have been raised on them so it's all they know! Humanizing what we do reminds our students that we're people just like them, but it's also good for us. It can be easy to get frustrated with the weight of all a teacher has to do, and sometimes we forget how precious these middle schoolers really are (despite how tough they can act). It's great to always assume best intentions, but giving kids ways to be human with us makes it easier for us to tap into that head and heart space.

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When students can connect content with their personal experience, especially if we model that for them, thelearning becomes more comprehensible and relevant.

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So students know that there is someone that is real that cares about them and their success.

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Humanizing learning helps create a safe space for our students to learn and to know that we as teachers & admin are also human. We strive connection.

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Makes you more relatable and students will feel more comfortable to reach out to you and will feel more connected.

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Establishing a genuine connection is an essential part of the educational process. "They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

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Relationships = buy in and trust

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Now more than ever, we need connection with each other that is real and authentic. Hopefully this will help us move toward civility.

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Everyone wants to be cared about and for! Making someone feel special can make a huge impact on their success.

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I think making connections with students matters for a lot of reasons. Connecting with students shows that you care about them and improve student's outcomes.

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Important to hook ~ be vulnerable ~ it shows human side ~like if I was in the classroom in person with them. https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZjYIMV9EtU

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I think humanizing learning matters because kids ARE humans, and they deserve to feel like they matter in our classrooms.

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Humanizing learning helps create a safe space for students to feel like they can engage and participate without judgement.

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Connections are the most important part of teaching-- without a connection, learning cannot take place. When you are authentic and human, a connection can be made. Circling back to the idea of belonging and how important that is, part of feeling like you belong is to feel a connection to others. Also-- being a human helps you empathize with your students. We all struggle, we all need grace.

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Creating connections lay the framework for open communications with students. Makes them want to receive feedback too.

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Students spend too much time disconnected (phones, video games, etc.), so this is a chance to change their outlooks on life in general.

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It's no different from in person school. Kids work for, and connect with teachers and classes they connect with

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Because it superpowers students' ability to learn if they feel safe and in a place where their views matter! Makes learning magic.

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Connections matter because all students need to feel like they are able to be vulnerable and share their learning. If they don't feel safe in the learning environment, they will not share who they really are

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Because it's the part AI can't do!

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Makes it more engaging for students and students are more likely to try if they are engaged and feel like they know you

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Students will feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it!

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In a world that is full of AI generated content students will feel more connected to you and your class if you can show your human side.

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Help students feel connected and a sense of belonging. Make you more approachable for students to connect if they need help or have questions.

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Students won't care about what we are teaching if they don't think we care about them!

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Students don't care how much you know. They want to know that you care about them and their success.

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When students need help, they are more likely to reach out to you if they are familiar with you.

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Reaching the students where they are. Being relevant!

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I think that making connections with teachers/students improves outcomes and helps students feel comfortable taking risks and getting out of their comfort zone