When students arrive at you after-school program what can they expect? Can they expect to be greeted with a smile, a knuckle bump, a question about the new kitten, a snack, a warm and friendly Program Leader? When kids first arrive in your program you have an opportunity to set the tone for the next 3 or more hours. When your behavior says that you are glad that they are here you have gone a long way to put them at ease. Think about how you feel when you go somewhere that a group of people have either already gathered or are gathering at that moment. What is it that you would like to have happen? Do you want someone to say “hello” and use your name? Do you want someone to say, “Thanks for coming” or “Glad you came”. Would you like them to follow-up with a comment or compliment that is specific to you, such as “Like your hair cut”, or “Heard you have a new car.”? If these are the kind of things that you would like to hear, then chances are, kids would like to hear similar types of comments. When students arrive, for a brief moment each one needs to know that you are completely focused on them. It doesn’t have to be a long interaction, it just needs to be heartfelt and sincere. Try out different ways to greet students and let them know that you are glad to see them and have them in the program and that you are looking forward to the next 3 hours.
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