As I reflect on this week's content, I can't help but think of the video link: Dalton Sherman asks, "Do you believe?". I can see the little faces of all of my past and current students asking the same question. I truly feel that it is of utmost importance that all teachers believe in their students.
In my classroom, I am the person who my students look to for support when they are looking, not only for answers, but also emotional support. For some of them, we as teachers, are the only constant adult in their lives. They look to us for approval and acceptance; Dalton also eludes to this fact. If they can truly sense that we believe in them, they will begin to believe in themselves. They are capable of so much more than they can imagine and it is up to us to open their eyes to the endless possibilities and opportunities that await them. As we all know teachers play a significant role in the lives of students, not only with regards to academics, but also in their personal day to day experiences. I think, one of the key elements that is need in our classrooms is a strong connection with our students. If you get to know them and they get to know you, they will sense that you truly believe in them. Equally important, is to have a student-centered classroom, in which students feel that they are trusted to explore new things and feel safe when they are not successful at something because they can always try again. If they feel like we as teachers believe that they have much to teach us just as we teach them, it will empower them to continue the student- centered learning cycle.
2 Comments
Stephanie Jones
9/4/2017 09:10:48 pm
I totally agree with you. This year I have a new student who is reading at a kindergarten level. He is constantly saying that he is dumb and stupid every time we read or have independent work. For so many years he has viewed himself in such a negative way that his self esteem has been crushed. In just the short amount of time that he has been in my class, I can see him start to try. All he needs is someone to believe and provide him with a little guidance. I hope that he doesn't hop schools this year and I get to be that teacher that helps him to build his confidence. All he needs is someone to believe in him.
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Lisa Gottfried
9/6/2017 05:14:28 pm
Yes to connection being critical for letting students know that we believe in them! If we do nothing else, as teachers, this might be the one deciding factor for success in learning, in my opinion. Your students are so lucky to have such a caring adult in their lives. What strategies do you use to let students know that you care and that you believe in them? What's one thing you can do tomorrow to drive home that point?
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Teresa BarronI love teaching because it makes me a life long learner. Archives
November 2017
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