How do you get a kid to smile?

NEA Today, Sep 1998

"I greet all the children by name the moment they walk in the door. That big hug you give can always get a smile."

-Pat Losak, first grade paraprofessional, Martin Luther King Magnet Elementary, Little Rock, Arkansas

"If I don't greet kids in the hall, they will greet me anyway. They say, `Hello, Ms. Chavira.' I always treat them with respect. I ask them, `How was your evening?' I communicate with them."

-Lillian Chavira, educational assistant, Las Cruces, New Mexico

"What makes kids smile is when I smile first or when I recognize their achievements. I'm affirming, pushing them."

-Irma Valdespino, bilingual educational assistant, Mayfield High School, Las Cruces, New Mexico

"As a liaison between community college students and the administration, I get young people to smile by encouraging them to get to class and apply themselves. When they freak over their grades, I encourage them to attend class and make good grades."

-Sue Kyle, student activity director, Madisonville (Kentucky) Community College

"It takes more muscles to frown than to smile. When you smile, the world smiles back at you. When you frown, you frown alone."

-Leola Scoggins, CBI teacher assistant (disabilities), McClellan Magnet School (10-12), Little Rock, Arkansas

"I'm a Vietnam-era veteran. On my wall are military and martial arts certificates and education credentials, and above is a sign that says, 'Get to Know Me First."'

-Sandra Rice, computer lab technician, Henderson Junior High School, Little Rock, Arkansas

"When I see kids in the hallway, I say they look pretty or nice."

-Walter Kirk, head custodian, Fayette County, Kentucky

"If elementary kids think you like them, they will be responsive to you. Put a smile on your face, and, if the kids want a hug, give 'em one. They'll think you care. Many of them don't get physical contact at home. If a kid hugs you, how can you help not hugging him back? They still want that physical touch.

"Show them you care and it will affect them. Tell them you care. Say, `Have a good day, see you this afternoon,' and they'll be ready to sit down and learn. Ninety-nine percent of our district's drivers have a good rapport with kids. These kids will do better in school than they would otherwise."

-Sandy Hawkins, bus driver and president of Pulaski (Arkansas) Association of Support Staff

"I tell my kids I will do something special for them, like take them to the circus or bowling. It usually doesn't take much to make them smile."

-Peggy Wilcox, special ed assistant, Whitesburg High School, Letcher County, Kentucky

"When kids ask if we're having school tomorrow, I say, `No, we're not.' That usually makes them laugh."

-Linda Hibbs, school receptionist, Madisonville, Kentucky

"I smile at students and say hi first. If they're little kids, I pretend to lift them by their ears. Better not print that."

-Julie McFaul, special ed assistant, College Park Elementary, Greendale, Wisconsin