John, how are you? Professor Sana

Use nonverbal cues such as a head nod or thumbs up
Not everyone likes attention focused on them. Often a simple gesture, coupled with eye contact, lets a reluctant scholar know that you see them and value them. Sometimes directing a small, simple gesture toward a student can help you to see if they have something on their mind.

When you greet your students at the door, you are modeling the behaviors that you expect in the classroom. What’s more, you’re modeling adult behaviors expected in the larger community. And in the here and now, this greeting can also serve as an opportunity to intervene if you notice student behavior that’s a bit off.