There is a sense of higher expectations about how we will be treated, even by institutions, and especially by the school. Notes telling the children what they've done right. Calls home asking about the youngster when the child is out ill. How I wish I had known to do these in my early classes. I thought I had to be so formal, so stuffy, to establish my authority.
Students have to feel they are needed.
Feeling needed can be a tricky business today. Many children seem to have too much time on their hands, while adults seem to have so much less time. Getting kids more involved at home is vital, but so is getting them more involved at school. This is a feeling every child can have and needs to have. Teachers and parents may well have more points to add to the list.