I make sure to build strong, positive relationships with my students and encourage them to make mistakes. Why? Since teaching 6th grade, I have realized that many of my students have hated math for one reason or another. They will never learn anything from me unless they feel comfortable. If they are afraid to make mistakes or make me mad, they will never try. If they make mistakes, they can see how they solved it and how to fix it. If they fix it, they are self correcting. They are learning and growing.