Why do my second graders seem to like me? I'm not a pushover...?

disclaimer: excuse my ignorance, but education wasn't my major.



I love that my students give me little gifts (drawings, apples, flowers aka dandellions, stickers, candy, etc.) and talk to me about their lives outside of school but I don't understand why they do it.



They can't possibly like me because I'm their teacher, you know, the evil woman who makes them do homework, learn about "boring stuff" and I keep them in line when they start to get rowdy.



Are they friendly to me because they're innocent little kids? Do they do it just because they may see a friend do it? Am i doing something wrong? Shouldn't they fear me?

Why do my second graders seem to like me? I'm not a pushover...?
kids dont necessarily like pushovers. they like the teachers who find a balance between work and fun.. a good teacher but someone who, if you were their age, could be a friend. is that you?
Reply:I don't know why you would WANT them to fear you. They might like you so much because you treat them with respect, you see them them as unique individuals, and you share about your own life outside of school. If you're young and energetic, they may be responding to that. Maybe they're just treating you, the same way you're treating them. Congratulations! As long as they respect you, and pay attention during instruction time so you're able to accomplish your teaching goals, you're golden! (And so are they!)
Reply:I really don't see what the problem is. These children are in the Second grade, usually they like school at this age. Plus they are spending a good amount of their time in your company. Consider yourself lucky. If you want your kids to fear and hate you, maybe you should teach 8th or 9th grade.
Reply:Well it seems you're not the average "evil teacher" that most kids hate.You obviously have something that the kids like and respect you for.I am currently a student and back in my 2nd/3rd grade year i had teachers that i really enjoyed.I'd consider myself lucky if i were you.Some teachers have to deal with the worst kids on the planet because THEY are evil to their students.And about the kids talking to you about their lives...sometimes they may not have someone to talk to at home about somethings.And a teacher can be someone to talk to...i know i definitely have talked to my teachers about personal stuff and they have helped me out a lot.
Reply:rebel you are a role model for the little cutie pies