Remember that you are teaching real people with feelings. Think how you would feel if someone spoke to you the way you've heard many teachers speak to their students. Make it clear that you intend to respect them and expect them to return the favor. Don t mistake popularity for respect. Popularity is like a shiny penny, attractive, but not valuable.
Respect is valuable.
The children don t need you to be their buddy. They have a class full of buddies. They need someone to be the adult, but an adult who respects them. The next time you speak to your class, speak to them the way you would speak to your friends or acquaintances. Imagine this scenario.