Examples help the writer explain her point. My band teacher Mr. Sohn loves music, and he makes you love it, too. He picks fun songs for us to play, and then also plays music for us to listen to and think about. He makes us want to hear lots of different kinds of music, from marches to jazz to movie scores. He also wants us to play better and practice to get it right. Teachers should love their subjects so much that they rub off on you. It’s easy to learn something you love.

Teachers also need to connect with families. If families know what is happening in class, they can help kids do homework and stay focused. If families find out that a student is struggling, they can get help so the person doesn’t fall behind. When I was having trouble in history, Ms. Smith moved me from the back of the room to the front. I thought I was being punished. But at my parent-teacher conference, Ms. Smith told my mom that I needed glasses. I’d been squinting to read the board. The next week, I got my glasses, and I don’t struggle anymore. Thanks, Ms. Smith, and thanks, Mom.