[Janet Beyer]

It establishes an environment of acceptance, and safety. You are conveying a positive feeling as you interact and are present with the child(ren).

[Karina]

Looking back on my childhood school years, I remember the classes with teachers who smiled regularly. Those teachers and classes became my favorites.

[Donna]

As a child, my hearing was not very good, I wore a hearing aid, the non verbal smiles and encouragement I got from teachers, peers and friends meant the world to me. I think it definitely made my attitude about my lack of hearing a little bit better, infact, i learned to lip read really well to see what they might be saying too.

[Donna]

When I was little, I didn’t hear very well so the smiles of encouragement gave me confidence from my teachers, friends and family. I learned to lip read too.

[Lisa]

My students are more willing to try things because I am willing to smile, laugh, and be silly with them.

[Joanne E Webster]

The positive outlook sets the tone for the day

[Brianne]

When the kids come running up to with smiles and open arms wanting hugs. The younger ones sitting in my lap or holding my finger with their hands. Or the older kids gives me hugs and say I love you. Is why at the end of the day makes it all worth it.

[Jessica Vargas]

Going to school was always something I’d look forward to. I enjoyed having a teacher who made learning fun, who would reward us, a teacher who would include the entire class, and made school more exciting. My kids are now in school and they often have teachers who are fun, outgoing and have school spirit and with that it makes school a more enjoyable experience for them.

[Kassi Boling]

Teacher having a bad day was gruff and short with children. They tended to stay away from her for the day, as well as the next few days. They gravitated to the teacher who was smiling and welcoming.

[Brooke F]

Having really excited teachers in my early years of education always helped me feel more comfortable in the environment and excited to learn.

[Linda]

Watching a child interact with a teacher whom is on their level, engaged and smiling is golden. The children feel heard, important and excited to share.

[Kathy]

Having a teacher who is passionate about teaching children. I believe smiles, nods, laughter and building a relationships between the child and their parents would be a natural response and the children will feel safe and the parents will feel happy as well.

[Kathy]

I had a teacher that impacted me when I was in 7th grade. He always had a smile on his face and the shy girl I was made me feel happy because his demeanor. silliness and without saying a word made you feel safe.

[Sydney Cox]

Nonverbal communication with students like smiles, or nodding, or positive body language helps to build healthy and friendly relationships between young children and adults. It shows the students that the teacher is friendly and welcoming for learning. The child will feel happy going to school, not afraid to ask questions, and find joy in the learning process. I notice a huge difference when there’s a teacher that doesn’t have a big smile for children walking in to the school, compared to the interaction I receive when I have a smile and open body language for students.

[Angelica Ortega]

Smiling at kids makes them feel like you’re easily approachable and safe to talk to. If they see you laughing at something they said you can see that it makes them feel good too because they’ll smile back and then try to make you laugh again. Doing this on a regular basis they start to understand that you are there to bring positivity to their life and they can count on you to help make their life more positive and productive.