traits, ways-of-being, dispositions you love seeing in young people...

[Connie Weber]

What traits, ways-of-being, or dispositions do you absolutely love seeing in young people--your students, your children, your children's friends, your grandchildren? Just curious. Wonder how much we're alike, how much we're different in what we'd say.

[Marie G.]

Curiosity, open-mindedness, perseverance.

[pennydreadful3]

A gift for celebration--a kid who can express joy, even shyly, is a joy. A kid who never has that spark of celebration worries me.

Watchfulness--a kid who doesn't need to ask "what's that, what's happening" constantly, because they can watch and decide for themselves.

Capacity for creative (but not disruptive) boredom. Because sometimes life *is* a bit dull. The kid who accepts that reality, and sketches or writes or daydreams to pass the time, is a kid I'm glad to take to concerts, plays, parties, wherever.

So I guess I like thoughtful, independent, creative kids with spirit? Well, sure; who doesn't eh?

[Janice Robertson]

I love cheerfulness... the kind manifested by a big smile and twinkling eyes. Every year I'm usually blessed with at least one student in every class who just seems to be happy all the time. They usually have a smile that can light up the entire room, and every other child loves to work with that person just because they're so nice to be around. When I'm feeling tired or cranky, and those children come into the room, I feel like I owe it to them to dig a little deeper, and hide my tiredness and just smile back...before I know it, I actually feel better.
I also love having a neat, tidy organized student in my class because I can usually use their work, desk, and binder as an example of what I expect.
I love having a child who is so curious and persistent to know... so hungry to learn, that if I ever don't answer their question, or they haven't found an answer by the time they leave my class, i can count on them coming back during lunch or after school because they can't stand to have an entire day go by without finding a solution to what bugs them.
I also love having a reader in my class... the kind who I actually have to force to close the book and interact with others... just because I love seeing that reminder that reading is NOT dead to young people. But also because I can pair that person with my weak non readers, and it's like having a second teacher in the room.
I also love having at least one student who can draw to make up for my inadequacies in that area.
I love having a couple students who are huge risk takers and are willing to try almost anything once they start to trust me. Remember that, "Give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything" commercial? Well, I love having a "Ask _ _ _ ___ to do it. They'll try anything." If you have students who are willing to give almost anything a go, it helps break the ice for everyone else. When you don't have a gutsy kid like that in your class, sometimes it takes forever to get someone to try something new. These students often end up being potential trouble makers, but if you tap positively into their risk taking behaviour, it can work out in your favor.
Funny that you should ask this question. I just found out that five of the 25 students in my class this year are leaving us for other schools, either due to moves or attending a different program. I will miss them all!

[Or-Tal Kiriati]

Curiosity, joy, freedom - carefree-ness....

[Ken Messersmith]

I love to see those kids who smile, look you in the eye, and say something positive when they see you. Curiosity, interest in life, willingness to take a risk (within reason).

[Jaime Detweiler]

It's sad to say this, but to me it is so refreshing to have a student or to witness a child that shows respect. And not necessarily towards me or other teachers but in their interactions with parents and other students as well.

[Cynthia Alvarado]

I love insatiable curiosity. I love kids who love words and who can play with them. I love children and adults who cultivate that child-like sense of wonder about the world around that so many, even children, seem to have lost today.