Teachers: PLEASE Smile Before Christmas

Author: Sara Delgado, PhD

“When the classroom climate was rated as warm and supportive by outside observers, children reported feeling more connected to their teacher, there were fewer conduct problems, and the students’ grades were higher. ”

There is an old adage in education that teachers should not smile before Christmas. I heard it often as a new teacher in the inner-city. Many veteran teachers advised me that if I let the students see me smile or laugh before establishing strict routines, I would lose control of the classroom for the year. 

Luckily, years of research have proven that not only is this advice wildly incorrect, it can actually have the exact opposite effect on student learning. A study conducted at Yale University found that when classroom climate was rated as warm and supportive by outside observers, children reported feeling more connected to their teacher, there were fewer conduct problems, and the students' grades were higher. 

Just as adults put in more effort when they are working with people that they like, students will also work harder for teachers that they feel care about them, and with whom they have a positive relationship. Contrary to the belief that teachers need to set a firm line in order to have control over their classroom, research and experience have proven that when relationships are valued over discipline, children WANT to behave and work hard. When children have better relationships with their teachers, they are more engaged and committed to school. They also feel more comfortable socially and are willing to persist through challenges and difficulties. They are more willing to ask for help when they need it, both academically and socially.  

Ignoring the antiquated advice of not smiling before Christmas will be even more important for the 2020-21 school year. Due to the COVID-19 virus, most school districts will begin in-person employing social distancing measures or will begin virtually. Regardless of the method that your district chooses, it will obviously be a very different start to the school year and building relationships with your students will be even more critical. 

Even though the start of the year will be unique, there are still many activities that teachers can utilize to build relationships with their students and ensure a positive start to the school year. This year, more than ever, it will be necessary to take the time to invest in social-emotional learning and building connections before even trying to tackle the content of the classroom. While it may be nerve-wracking to put content on the back burner and focus on relationships when so many students ended the school year in a non-traditional manner, this initial focus on building trust with your students through virtual scavenger hunts, storytelling, or by simply asking them to weigh on how they are feeling about the non-traditional schooling format will help build connections and trust necessary for learning to take place. 

The start of this school year will undoubtedly be different. Starting in person while social distancing and wearing masks or beginning the year virtually may even feel uncomfortable for some teachers, students, and parents. Recognizing that fact and investing time to make sure everyone feels safe and secure will be the best way to ensure learning and growth take place in your classroom, regardless of how the school year begins. Take the time to invest in relationships, check in with your students’ social-emotional status, show compassion and care, and PLEASE smile before Christmas. 

Sara Delgado, PhD, is an educator with experience as a classroom teacher and elementary school principal. Currently, she provides professional learning and coaching for teachers and principals with Edspire Leadership, LLC.