Getting to Know You

So I think my students might actually like me. I could be wrong, but I feel like I'm getting to know them better. I feel like I can be more myself around them, my dorky, awkward self, and they seem to like it... or at least they go along with it. :) When I ask, "This makes sense, ja?" They respond with an exaggerated "ja." They've started laughing at my other strange word choices, such as "beautious" and "splendid." They even enjoy my intermittent tap dancing. I always kinda knew I was going to be a bit of an eccentric teacher, but if it gets the students to stay engaged and somewhat enjoying themselves, it's not such a bad thing, eh?

There are some things I worry about though. Sometimes I worry that my conversations with students are distracting. It's hard to find the right balance. I definitely don't want to distract them from learning, but it's also hard to find a lot of other ways to get to know them, especially when I don't see them much outside of class.

I also worry that students will start to view me too much as a friend. I want to be respectful of them and care for them, but the student-teacher relationship is still different from a friendship. I also find it difficult to find that balance. I want them to trust me and respect me, but I also want to appear serious and to be a good role model for them.

Then I worry that I feel like I'm getting to know some students a lot better than others. I'm an outgoing person, so sometimes I find it difficult to relate to quieter people. But in a classroom, every student counts. So I need to find ways that I can relate to quiet students who don't always like to ask questions. They need help and support too, and I don't want to leave anybody out.

Anyway, I think things are going well. The whole year will be about me finding my role, and I'm sure it will continually change throughout my career. At least I'm having fun along the way!