How to Attract and Maintain REGULAR STUDENTS: VIPKid (PRACTICAL tips!)

[@KariBrennan1210]

I just want to say that if my child was tuning in for a lesson with you, and you were wearing a crown, I would never think you were unprepared for my child. I instead would think, this teacher is going the extra mile (for whatever reason)! I just don't think that was seen as a negative.

[@daylynngreen9456]

I try to have rewards that reflect their interests. I try to make them so that I can incorporate small changes to keep them interesting. One of my students adores Dinosaurs. We began by just earning dinosaurs. Then we said what color each dinosaur was. Then we started learning English names for dinosaurs, next we learned some interesting facts about each dinosaur. I also have a dinosaur book we often use. Last class he taught me the Chinese name for some of the dinosaurs. This mom gave me the sweetest most kind feedback I have received. She was very happy I took his distraction and incorporated into class to keep him interested.

[@kristinamurphy7368]

I just want to let you know I spent the morning watching many of your videos. I so appreciate your thoughtful and clear presentation!! You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Kristina! Lovely name. :D Wow, I am so humbled by your thoughtful comments! THANK YOU for taking the time to brighten my day! I love helping fellow teachers. :D Let me know if you have any video ideas!!

[@paolowright6420]

You are so worth watching. You're genuine and a great communicator.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Wow--I'm honored! Thanks so much, Paolo! 😊 Do you have any video requests?

[@stephaniewalker4471]

Great video Kristina! I always enjoy your videos and your clarity around teaching. You are very thorough and well-thought out in your topics and exploration of stuff... thanks! My thought about what keeps regular students (though I'm a newbie, I have already acquired a few apparent regulars) is AUTHENTICITY. Being real, being candid, enjoying and being yourself in a genuine way, being present.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Stephanie! Wow, thanks! I'm thrilled that you enjoy my videos...and you were very specific in my praise. ;) YES!! I totally agree with the importance of letting your authenticity shine. Not all teachers are the same, and if we pretend to be a way that we're not...then it's a tough show to keep putting on, class after class. Not to mention that it may lead to you attracting students that really aren't a great match! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment...I appreciate you, Stephanie!

[@mykkai]

Great video! I'll definitely apply your ideas. I used a very simple personalized reward system for a student-- a hidden sentence on a whiteboard that I revealed one letter at a time, that read "(student name) is a star" He rebooked me a few days later! -Hannah

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hello, Hannah! I'm happy that you enjoyed the video--thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! That's a really sweet reward system idea...I love it! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@summersmith4037]

I'm going to use that!! How old was the student?! Great idea 😊

[@KristinaGarcia]

I'm also curious how old the student was, Hannah! :D

[@summersmith4037]

I did end up using this last week! My student was 10 and it made him smile! 😊

[@mykkai]

Kristina Garcia he was 9 years old I think. I haven't taught him for a couple of weeks. This reward could work with slightly younger or older kids too IMO.

[@kalin669972]

YES! I love your final thoughts! We are the bridge!

[@cathykitchens699]

This is a great video with very helpful information. Thank you, Kristina! Your videos are always great! I have been a VIPKid teacher for almost 100 days now. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and am beginning to get regular students. I think that writing personalized feedback has really helped and speaking and talking with the parents has helped, too. When I know the mom or dad is there, I always speak to them. It has led to some brief conversations. The other thing that has really helped is that I always send my students an ecard after class. At first, it was just sort of the same with "Great job in class today, etc.", but now I tell them that I am so proud of them and I usually mention something that we did in class. Like today, I said that I enjoyed seeing my student's hat and I mentioned that I enjoyed showing him my hat. With another student, I told her to keep practicing writing the letters that she had shown me that she could write. I believe that it has gone a long way in getting regular students. Also, laughing with the students (especially the little ones) has really helped me to build a rapport with them. They are beginning to feel more comfortable with me. They show me their toys and they sing me songs. I really look forward to seeing each and every one of them in each class.

[@miriamanderson7578]

Thanks for the tips, Tina! I like the idea of specific feedback. I am new and so read all the comments on slides and changed my ways by making my comments more generic. I am going back to specific praise. It makes more sense.

[@leahjpalmer]

Thank you Teacher Tina! Your tips are very helpful!

[@juliesmith5224]

Hi Tina, another awesome video. I just signed my second contract this week and I have a lot of regulars that I’ve taught 25 times or more. These kids are great, I just love this. Oh, I do enjoy teaching Level 3 even though I’ve only taught a handful of Level 3 students. Currently, I teach a lot of Level 2 students and all the summer camp classes. (Voice of VIPKID, Free Talk, Phonics). You have some really good tips in all your videos that all teachers can learn from. Hope you are doing well. Have a great rest of the week. 😊

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Julie! It's always so wonderful to hear from you. You sprinkle joy wherever you go...no wonder your regulars keep coming back for more! Congratulations on signing your second contract, Julie!! Which level/type of class is your favorite? I'm curious! As always, I appreciate your kind remarks. You've found value in my videos, so...mission accomplished! All is well with me, thanks. Enjoy your week as well, dear Julie! :D

[@juliesmith5224]

My favorite is Level 1 even though I teach mostly Level 2, but I also like when I get a level 3 students where I’m able to use more incidental language and I can have a full conversation with them. I’m happy with Levels 1-3. I have some students I’ve taught from trial classes and they will be moving up to level 3 in a couple of weeks.

[@jstalnaker28]

I do think warmly of the Chinese people and culture now due to working with the students. Thank you. I’m still building up and trying to get regular students so I don’t have a specific tip yet. I’ve been with VIPKids about 35 days.

[@jstalnaker28]

I enjoy all of your videos that I’ve watched. I’ll continue to watch more.

[@amywoldt2028]

Thank you! I hope to get regulars and a schedule soon. I am a brick and mortar teacher one more year and hope to work full time with VIP in future! I believe very strongly in building relationships with students and parents. I get recognized for this in my school classroom. I hope to bring this to VIP!

[@annfercho4113]

Another great video! I've begun following you as I am a new teacher. (I've just completed my 13th class!) The tip about "detailed feedback" is extremely helpful. I am already implementing your SHAPE framework. I really like the suggestion about how to connect with a student...my student plays badminton almost every day, so I plan to pick up a badminton racket at the Dollar Store. I also really like the idea about "bringing the lesson full circle." Thank you so much!!

[@jemmabalot9539]

This is such an awesome and helpful video! Thank you so much!

[@sandrabrindley9024]

I love your videos. They are awesome! Dale Carnegie is my lifeline in my business! Thank you for being real.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hello again, dear Sandra! Thank you for that kind compliment! And yes---his advice is timeless!

[@minelarivera4974]

This was put together so well, as usual. I'm working on it... little by little. Thank you for everything Tina.

[@KristinaGarcia]

You are doing a phenomenal job, my dear friend. :D Thanks for watching, Teacher Minnie!

[@irenehughes5606]

Hello Tina! I am 120 days in as a VIPkid Teacher but just truly started getting Major classes since Nov. I appreciate you video! I see where I can personal my feedback! Thank you so much!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Wahoo! Very exciting. You're welcome! Not sure if you saw it yet, but I have a video devoted to feedback: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYOvgmhmhJWNgrc ENJOY and thanks for stopping by my channel, Irene! 😀

[@triciaedwards3616]

Wow... That was good! Especially about us being ambassadors and representing our country... Love this teaching! Gave me a lot to absorb.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Tricia! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm happy to hear that you got so much out of it. Take care!! 😊

[@nespather8143]

I loved the video...gained some great tips on how to maintain regular students. I like to always acknowledge the parent at the end of class by saying Thank you mom/Dad, bye.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Nes! So happy to hear you enjoyed it. That's a great tip to say goodbye and thank you to the parents! THANK YOU for sharing! 😀

[@wendykerschner9902]

Thank you, Kristina! And, CONGRATULATIONS on being VIPKID "Official"! I love the great points in this video and want to keep working on making great connections/conversations - but that sure is tricky with beginning Level 2 - LOL! But, being an ambassador, I really feel that value in this "job" (it's so fun and these kiddos are SO cute it doesn't really feel like work!) I think something that I notice watching the KZbin videos is the effect of looking at the CAMERA! NOT Your Own Picture on the screen, cuz then it looks like you are looking down! It's a detail I need to keep practicing - but it makes a big difference to feel like you care/are paying attention to me if it looks like you are looking at me - which means looking into the camera, not the pictures on your screen . . . you do a great job at that! I'm from Cleveland, so I hope to maybe get a chance to meet you someday at a meet-up! Congratulations again and I'll keep watching for more of your wonderfully, practical videos!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hello, Wendy! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind support! Yes, every level has its challenges...especially when the kids have more limited language abilities at the start. Well hey, thanks for that feedback about making eye contact with the camera! I think it makes a big difference in the classes, too. Awesome--we are neighbors! Yes, I try to go to as many meetups as possible. It would be so cool to meet up!! You are very kind for taking the time to watch and leave me this lovely message. Thanks a million, Wendy! Have a lovely day!! :D

[@darkexcalibur87]

It takes a little more work, but I think my reward systems have helped me retain a lot of regulars. I never do the same reward twice, and each class I choose a reward that is specifically catered to each regular and their needs/motivations. I feel like this has improved the energy and overall effectiveness of my classes by a significant amount! I keep track of it all with an excel spreadsheet.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Wonderful!! So happy to hear that you've found something that keeps your regulars happy. I'm sure those students feel so special to have such a thoughtful teacher!

[@lisamcmahan7871]

Best tips are making a personal connection with each student and giving concise and valid feedback for the parents. Thanks for your wonderful videos:)

[@KristinaGarcia]

Love those tips, Lisa! I totally agree. Thanks for sharing! I'm happy to know that you enjoy my videos. :D Thanks for stopping by my channel!

[@ellenhamilton7249]

This video was so helpful to me! Thank you for sharing the book too! I love a good book about leadership! All your videos are helpful and encouraging. Thanks for taking the time and effort to give us all these tips! I watched this yesterday and tried to remember to use my students names more today and thought through my feedback more today. You are a great ambassador for VIPKid. You will be a great leader because you really want others to succeed too and you are humble! Being a good leader is all about serving and going the extra mile, and you do great at this! Great job!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Ellen! What a kind comment...thank you so much! I'm happy to hear that you were able to apply the tips in your classroom. Your comment made me feel all warm inside! Hehe! Thanks again!!

[@a_Joy_2_cre8]

Excellent video. Tip, finding commonalities.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Joy! Long time, no chat! Thanks for your feedback. And yes, I agree!!

[@mrabd-alrahmanmarey4994]

This is my first time here I am a pre-educated teacher and it really was benefitial for me Thanks from Egypt 💙

[@KristinaGarcia]

Welcome!! Happy to have you here. 😁 Thanks for your kind comment!

[@tamietaufaasau6167]

Excellent video. I enjoyed your comments. I reinforced what I was already doing plus gave me some new ideas. Thank you. 😊

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hello, Tamie! 😃 I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for stopping by my channel and brightening my day with your kind comment! Have fun teaching! 😊

[@cherisemarshall1149]

such good info. I am on the right track but learned a lot. I have also read Dale Carnegie’s book. Excellent for any place in life. Love your video. Thanks so much.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Cherise! Oh, I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video and learned a lot! Yes, I love that book. It's so relevant! Let me know if you have any video requests. Thanks for watching and good luck getting those regular students, Cherise!

[@sandraford4705]

I liked the Advise step of the Feedback process. Did I miss the link where it's easy to copy & paste specific advice from?

[@debbietjie1]

This really helped! Thank you sweet person!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Aw...thanks so much for sharing! So happy to know that it helped you. 😃

[@lindasparks7131]

Maintaining a regular student comes as I treat my students as individuals and not just another face! Get to know them and take interest in them.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Amen!! So true, Linda. Students don't care how much we know until they know how much we care. Are there any specific strategies you have for getting to know your students?

[@darlineolivarez6614]

I really like the idea of building a rapport with student and parent by showing genuine interest. As a parent this is alway important to me with my daughters teachers. Thank you. Also may I ask that you do a type of behind the scenes video that shows me how your desk and teacher area looks. Your background view looks great! I feel that I may be sitting to0 close to my screen. I am not sure, but showing me how you set it up may help.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Darline! I'm happy to hear that the video was relatable for you! I actually already have a video about that topic...hehe! Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKO4h62Viceehbc Thanks for stopping by my channel! :D

[@jisson57]

Your videos are always so helpful Tina! Can you do one on time management?

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Adele! I love that idea! I'll be brainstorming. I'd love to hear if you have any specific questions or situations that you'd like for me to address! Thanks for sharing. :D

[@loriwoliner6586]

The anser to the question- The tip is the real engagement with the student. The child must feel like a VIP and have the desire naturally to meet you again. This will be commicaated with the parent by bthe child when this rapport is established. Make sure your feedback is positive and helpful to keep the honesty and yet let the parent knoabout the progress. Thanks Tina

[@KristinaGarcia]

Amen to EVERYTHING!!! Thanks for sharing your insight, Lori! 😃

[@lindabreyfogle14]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. How do you invite the parents to book with you again?

[@mikemerrion5051]

Aiming for regular students is the best tip.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Thanks, Mike! It's so true...that's what it's all about! Regular "customers" who become our precious favorites!

[@barbarawatkins2608]

Another great video, Tina. Thanks! I try to make reward systems that will interest my students. I ask in feedback for ideas from the parents so that I can make rewards that will mean something special for my students. Sometimes I get no response, but sometimes I do and that is fun. I might also just notice something they have with them in class (logo on clothing, etc.) and try to tailor rewards around that as well. I think it shows that I am observant and care about the child.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Barbara! I love those steps that you take! I think that it goes a long way to show that we care by tailoring our rewards to our students. Great idea!! Thank you so much for watching my video and sharing that input, Barbara! :D Out of curiosity, what are some of the rewards your parents have requested?

[@jenniferjones1470]

This is GREAT also congratulations on being legit with vip kid!!!!

[@jenniferjones1470]

This is such a timely video for vip kid teachers now. I want to share this video with all of the teachers ;)

[@KristinaGarcia]

Thanks, Jennifer! You're so kind! :D

[@KristinaGarcia]

That's what I was hoping...I certainly get lots of questions about this topic! Sharing is great...thanks so much for helping others, Jennifer!

[@loriwoliner6586]

Really vey helpful. I feel exactly the same way

[@KristinaGarcia]

Thank you! Happy to help, Lori. 👍

[@amandapalmer9402]

Hi, Teacher Tina! Thank you for this informative video. I appreciate your thoughtful content and thorough explanations regarding how to boost your business. 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Amanda! So happy that you enjoyed it! Did you give me five apples? NOM NOM NOM, thank you!!!!

[@jstalnaker28]

Do you.ask as many rapport building questions if you have a student who doesn’t have higher level language skills ? (Level 1 and 2)

[@cathykitchens699]

I just thought of this question after I posted my other comment. When you said that you should let them know that you would like to teach the student and become their regular student, how do you word that? I just taught a student and I typed at the end of the feedback, "please consider me as Xiangxiang's regular teacher." Is there a better way to word that?

[@teacherkandy8587]

Genuinely enjoy your class and be real

[@KristinaGarcia]

Amen!

[@summersmith4037]

Can you give a few suggestions for rewards that have been successful for your high level 2 and level 3 boys? Around 9-10 years old? I've run out of ideas!! Thank you!!!!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Summer! Have you checked out Google Slides? There is a Facebook group that lots of teachers use to share virtual rewards: facebook.com/groups/vipkidgs/ I have a video showing one way to use them as an example (you just need a phone or tablet): kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5DZioh8qp2oeqM Personally, I've found that my male students at this level enjoy "active rewards," such as having them bounce a ball with you. I show how I do that reward in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2TWp6Wqe7CFqKM Hope that I didn't just overload you with information. Ha! Enjoy and thanks for watching, Summer!

[@justintime1513]

How do you build real rapport with the PreVIP kids? The 3/4/5/ year olds that BARELY speak English?

[@KristinaGarcia]

I try to be very aware of what the student has...such as the color of the kid's shirt, toys, anything in the background, the name choice...I do my best to find something that the student likes and then I use it to make my student feel special! When I was just starting to get regular students, I kept a log with notes about anything I learned about my student...then I could reference it in future classes! For example, my one student had a rabbit toy in our first class, so in the next class, I used a rabbit reward. You can also ask the parents in the feedback for ideas for getting to know their kid (such as interests!). A parent who is involved in the class and seems to speak English may be willing to chat with you at the start or the end of the class for a minute, too! I even learned more about one of my PreVIP students when she was in the bathroom...her mom chatted with me until she returned! Showing a genuine interest and remembering the small details makes a BIG difference in building rapport with the little tykes, too!

[@rebeccajones8628]

Your link for how to load slides for back to back classes has no video....I really wanted to see it.😥

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Rebecca! Sorry for the confusion. I recently took that video down because the VIPKid classroom format has changed and now we don't need to preload the slides (it's actually easier!). Thanks for understanding! 😊

[@annaharvey4636]

Hi! The link for the video on loading classes early for back to backs will not open - this would change my life - I’ve had big problems with classrooms loading lately and would love to troubleshoot before it’s classtine!

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hi, Anna! I recently changed that video to "private" because the portal has undergone some changes so it's not helpful to everyone...but here it is (and it still may help you...I hope!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrboahrhcuAhtE

[@MJLR2410]

You mentioned specifically saying what they did well. Would that count as incidental language. Are they going to know what a full sentence means.

[@KristinaGarcia]

Hello! Personally, I don't think it's incidental language if you keep it brief while you praise. For example, "Great job reading, Susy!" or "Great job saying "winter," Susy!" are simple but specific.

[@MJLR2410]

@@KristinaGarcia Thanks for the reply. I'm newly hired.

[@KristinaGarcia]

My pleasure! Congratulations on recently getting hired...you're going to love it!

[@lindaa7299]

Do you really think you might have lost a star because you were wearing a crown? Why would that be a problem?

[@KristinaGarcia]

Yes, I think I did. It was my first time with this student and I think that it looked like I rushed from one class to the next. I certainly wouldn't have taken an apple away from a teacher for this reason alone, but the class went great besides the first few seconds. Parents can give whatever rating they choose. It's subjective, so maybe the parents simply didn't like something else. There was no comment with the 4-apple rating so I guess I will never know for sure!