Not Just Fluff: The Importance of Knowing Students' Names AND Their Stories

"We have so much to teach this year. I don't have time for all this 'fluff' the first week of school. All these 'getting to know you' activities are a waste. I already pulled the data and know what skills they need work on. How is all this relationship building going to help them on the test at the end of the year?" Ms. Andrews, a teacher new to the district, asked.

"By spending time building relationships with students at the beginning, they'll respond better and be more receptive to what is being taught. I can assure you that you will get that time back," Mr. Carr, the instructional coach said. 

"But I already have all their data. That's all I need to teach them," she said.

"Data is very important, but building positive relationships are just as important. John Hattie has indicated that having positive student/teacher relationships results in over a year's worth of growth for students. By knowing student data, but also the souls connected to the data, it will allow you to know how to personalize instruction to ensure ALL are learning and growing," he said. 

"I'm beginning to understand a little of how getting to know students will help," she replied thoughtfully. "But does it really matter to the students here?"

"Yes, very much so. We have to know not just their name, but their story as well, to know how to best reach, teach, and ensure their successful learning," he replied. "I have a poem I want you to read. Each student represented in the stanzas are very similar to what our students in the district experience. I know you'll find it enlightening, " he said, handing it to her.

***

You Know My Name, But Not My Story

By Kathryn L. Craig, M.Ed.

You see me almost falling asleep in class,

but you didn’t see how I was working until midnight

at McDonald's to help put food on my family’s table.

You know my name, but not my story.

You see my seat empty in class and tell me I may have to repeat the same grade,

but you don’t realize that I’m at home taking care of my baby brother

while my mom is in the hospital dying of cancer.

You know my name, but not my story.

You see me having a hard time focusing and getting my work completed,

but you don’t see that my pantry at home is bare.

You know my name, but not my story.

You see me yelling and hitting people when I get mad,

but you don’t see that the same is done to me at home.

You know my name, but not my story.

You see me running around the classroom and keep me from participating in recess,

but you don’t see that I don't have a safe place to run and play in my neighborhood.

You know my name, but not my story.

So next time you are teaching and call my name,

will you be sure to have already learned my story?

***

About the author:

Kathryn is a K-12 Servant Leader who is passionate with assisting educators reach, teach, and ensure the successful learning of ALL students. Her new narrative, non-fiction book, The Five R's of Educating Economically Disadvantaged Students: Zeniah's Story will allow you to learn practical, research-based strategies that are easily implemented to ensure the success of this now-majority student population. Her book can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2KGPAnm.