Look Into My Eyes, What Do You See?

The Importance of Getting to Know the Students you Serve…

As educators, we often focus on providing for a student’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. But amidst these actions, there's one vital, yet sometimes overlooked, element: eye contact. Taking a moment to look into a student’s eyes can be an incredibly powerful tool in understanding their needs and building a deep connection. This simple, non-verbal form of communication plays a key role in a student’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
One of the most immediate benefits of looking into a student’s eyes is the emotional bond that forms. Eye contact creates a sense of connection and trust, which is crucial for a student’s emotional development. When you look directly into a student’s eyes, you communicate to them that they are seen, heard, and valued. This builds security and helps them feel more comfortable expressing themselves.

Students, even the ones in high school, are still learning to process and express emotions. Their ability to verbalize feelings can be limited, but their eyes often give us a window into their emotional state. Looking into a student’s eyes allows you to read subtle cues about how they are feeling—whether they are anxious, excited, sad, or angry. In this way, eye contact becomes a way to help decode their emotional language, even before they have the words to express themselves.

Looking into a student’s eyes is an essential tool for emotional regulation. Students often model their emotional responses based on the reactions they receive from adults. By maintaining eye contact in moments of frustration, sadness, or excitement, educators can help students regulate their emotions and feel supported.

Eye contact is a powerful tool in socialization. It teaches students how to interact with others, including how to recognize social cues, take turns in conversation, and establish rapport. By looking into a student’s eyes, you model appropriate social behavior, helping them build confidence in their ability to navigate social settings.

For students, the world can sometimes be overwhelming. They are constantly processing new information, learning how to interact with the world, and navigating their emotions. In these moments of uncertainty, a simple glance into their eyes can provide a sense of stability and security. It tells them that they are not alone, that someone cares enough to pay attention and support them. When you look into a student’s eyes, it can also serve as an effective way to guide their behavior.

I am an administrator at a school and have been making eye contact with my students for years. Initially I looked at it as just being respectful, however when I sit down and reflect, I realize now that I have used this technique to get a better understanding of my students. Looking into a student’s eyes is more than just a simple act of connection; it is a deeply meaningful way to understand, communicate with, and support them.
Look into my eyes, what do you see?