[Faana Langford]

nonverbal communication is very important, when you are frown and always mad, it made me feel unwanted and not loved.

[Mandi]

Having a teacher that was always smiling and expressed how happy they were to see me, made me want to come to school and enjoy it

[Karah Dykes-Rankin]

There were 2 teachers of mine in the elementary years that showed kindness and compassion by just nonverbally showing they cared by simply helping and being patient. I still communicate with them to this day. One of those teachers my son was very fortunate to have. She went out of her way to help when no other teacher would. Smiling and nodding gives students that they have the power themselves to make a difference. I want to be that person where I work. I want my students to look back and remember something I taught them by just giving them reassurance.

[Shelby scicluna]

I worked with a teacher who was extremely “grouchy”. She expected so much from little children and had been teaching for way to long. She never smiled ….NEVER. She would come to class and expect the children to do the same activities all day and he children did not like her. The children counted down the days until she was not there ( we got one day a week off) and it was incredibly sad. It is so important to socialize with the kids and show them you enjoy being with them as well. The teacher soon retired and the children are happy and safe and LOVE their new fun, energetic, artsy assistant teacher!

[Kristen M Stafford]

There are lots of non-verbal responses you can give to children to show them your emotions, reactions and directions. You can smile, laugh, dance, jump up and down, spin around, crawl, wave hands are all options you can do to get responses from children using non-verbal communication

[Stephanie]

When I was in grade school a lot of teachers called me by my last name. I hated it. I felt like it was impersonal and actually I felt like I was disliked. It did not help my mood at all when it would happen and I felt very very “small”.

[Nancy]

We have had several students in our center experience trauma, including homelessness. They continue to thrive by the positive supports and engagement that our teachers provide as well as the support the family receive from our program and agency.

[Shalini Chatan]

Smiling is important to wellbeing. It promotes a child sense of belonging, boosting their academic engagement, and reducing disruptive behavior

[Kaira]

I had a teacher in my child care as a child who did not respect nor talk kindly to us kids and it left me feeling afraid to speak up and encouraged reserveness

[Charlene Ishikuro]

Teacher greeted children with a warm welcome using a smile, addressing their name and a hug.

[Arlen Herman]

I had a mean teacher in 4th grade and she never smiled at her students. Her very unfriendly demeanor created fear and low self-esteem for most of the kids in our class, especially me.

[hana]

An example of a person who significantly impacted a childhood experience was my kindergarten teacher even through out my adult life I still remember and think of her she was always so sweet and kind and cared about every child

[Shannon Freire]

Kids that grow up without being told I love you or given hugs and kisses, normally do not show that affection or feelings as they grow older.

[Jeffrey]

When you smile at someone its kid of contagious and it takes less energy then frowning.

[Messeret]

I have learned from my many years of experience with the children, smile is a great way to welcome new old children. It gives them understanding that you are happy to see them. It makes them loved when you take time to smile. I feel it invites them to smile back at you.