Our job, as educators, is to be on a constant path of learning in how to teach kids. To name a few, that learning includes the latest in edu-jargon, content knowledge and emotional/social needs.
Recently I am focusing on the emotional/social needs of kids in my learning. Without knowing how the circumstances of kids impact their learning, edu-jargon and content knowledge will get me nowhere. I wish I realized that 15 years ago at the beginning of my career.
Right now I am working with kids in a Summer School program. Many students come with needs that are far beyond the academics in a course. That is something I try to wrap my head around. I want to help fix what is happening, but I don’t have the tools in many cases.
Here are my top five focus areas:
- Every day is a fresh start: No matter what. Go out of your way to make sure the student knows this. They are waiting for one look or one comment to prove you don’t believe in them.
- Meet the student where they are at: Give them a pencil. A pen. Paper. A breakfast bar. A pass to leave the room and do a lap around the building. I think of the times I am feeling pressure due to outside circumstances, but I need to power through my day. Then I think about how can a 15 year do this?
- Tardy and/or absences: Be happy to see them. Work can wait. Think about the kid who hears every period of the day “Where were you? do you know what you missed?” I encourage kids to make a list of what is owed, and I am happy to sit down at the end of the day to help prioritize.
- Late work and homework: When I am in a workshop all day, I am exhausted. I think of kids in school and realized a few years ago homework should not be assigned and late work should be accepted. I can’t control what kids or families do after 3pm. I don’t feel I can impose my demands on precious time.
- No child is lazy: There are so many reasons why a kid does not have their homework finished or fails a test. Never assume.
I hope to spend the remaining 15(ish) years of my career being a cheerleader for kids and the adults who love and support them every day.