Language is a powerful thing, and how we use it in the classroom as well as how we teach it greatly affects our students while they are with us and after they move on from us. Students need to feel heard, respected and appreciated in the classroom in order to feel comfortable talking and sharing in class. The key to this is balancing the power dynamics to put yourself and students on a more level playing field.
Join Small Groups
One way to communicate to students that you are there to listen to them, not just teach or talk at them, is to participate in small group activities with them. This can help students see you as a helpful and encouraging participant in their life rather than a distanced teacher/evaluator.
Cheer them on
There is no better way to get closer to your students than to be present in their lives outside of the classroom. Going to their sporting events, concerts, recitals, etc. and then talking positively with them about these things in the classroom creates bonds that build respect and connections between teacher and student. Students need to see that you make an effort to support them and you care about them outside of their academic career.
Allow Leadership Opportunities
Allow kids to take over responsibilities in the classroom to show that you trust them and see them as capable. This can be as simple as having a student in charge of changing the date on the calendar each day, ensuring students clean up after themselves before leaving class, or keeping track of your classroom library. You can even let students lead activities such as bellwork, provided you give them guidance and they have watched you model it before they take over. Give kids ownership in the classroom by putting them in charge.