[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0jgcyfC2r8?rel=0&showinfo=0&w=640&h=360]

You have probably seen this video floating around Facebook the last few days.  It shows 5^th Grade English Teacher, Barry White Jr., and how he greets his students each day.  He has a very elaborate, personalized handshake with every single student.  Every handshake is different and he doesn’t hesitate when the next student steps up, he goes right into their unique handshake.

I absolutely love this video.  How I wish I would have had a teacher like Mr. White when I was in grade school!  To me, Mr. White is the epitome of who we should be as educators.  Now, before you get all freaked out thinking “I can’t do handshakes like that with all of my students, they would think I was crazy!”  It isn’t about the handshake.  It is about what he is building with each one of those students.  He has built a personal and professional relationship with every single kid in his class.  He is showing them respect and I guarantee they show it back to him.

In less than a minute Mr. White is exhibiting so many traits that are critical to us as Master Educators.  He is caring and he makes each and every student feel special.  He is passionate, motivating, inspiring and empowers the kids before he even steps foot in the classroom.

I found another video where Mr. White actually describes why he does this and how his students respond.  Enjoy!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUQIARSN3ag?rel=0&showinfo=0&w=640&h=360]

What can you do each morning to start your students’ day off like this?