I don't know about where you all are, but in my part of the world, we have quite a bit of snow with even more on the way! Due to the fact that I live out in the sticks, I have already lost power and it will probably stay that way for a while! I pray that you all stay safe and warm in this winter "blizzard" they are calling for!
Another week has come and gone, and all I can say is... wow! How much there is to learn! There are so many things that Dr. Parker has already taught me in such a short period of time. Who would have known that classrooms have changed so drastically since we have been in school. The biggest thing that I have realized from taking this class and EDUC 410 is that INTEGRATION IS KEY. Integration is the means to a great lesson. I think that teachers were integrating in some ways without even realizing it, but it is such a necessity now! We have to make conscious decisions to make sure integration is happening. Differentiation is something that I have really come to love. Finding new ways to do this is challenging, but exciting! I want my students to know that I am taking the time to get to know them and their needs. I also wanted to know how to connect and speak to my students. Without a great teacher-student relationship, kids will be unmotivated to learn.
What are three things that students desire to hear from teachers?
Dr. Lori Desautels wrote an article on Edutopia answering that question. Dr. Desautels hadn't actually spent time in the classroom in quite sometime, so she decided to get back in there. She wanted to answer this question herself.
Dr. Desautels stated, "I have surveyed the students and teachers with these questions in mind:
- What does your teacher say to you that feels encouraging or motivating?
- What do you want to hear from your teacher about your performance or disposition in school?"
Kids want to know that you believe in them. A simple encouragement letting them know that you have faith in them. Rather it be speaking these words or leaving them a note, this can give students a new kind of confidence.
Along with believe, students also want to know that they have a purpose in life. This really applies to everyone. I'm sure that everyone reading this would admit that they want to know that they have a purpose in life. Most of us would probably say that our purpose is to educate and inspire kids. Well those kids that we want to inspire need to know they have a purpose. Dr. Desautels says a great example would be, "You have a purpose. I see it and feel it! Let's have fun and discover what it is. A purpose might change, and that's a good thing, but it’s there!"
Believing in kids and giving them a purpose is great, but something that can truly affect a kid is questioning them.
"Listen for this unspoken request from students:
Ask me how I am. Ask me what I need. Ask me my thoughts and feelings. Ask me what my opinions are, even if my response is ridiculous because I don't want to stand out in front of my peers! Ask me in private -- always in private. Ask me to teach you anything about my world, my culture, music I love, my beliefs, and my story. I may not say a word, and it may take the entire school year for me to respond to your questions, but I hear you. I hear your interest and your compassionate concern for what I like, what I need, and what plans I would like to create."
Putting in the simple time to give students words of encouragement or to let them know that you notice them can really make a difference. We want them to know that they are important to us. The great thing about this, is that this applies to EVERY age! I can use this in my current pre-k classroom along with my future classroom.
As teachers we are suppose to provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. Encouraging them and showing them that we are paying attention to their feelings and needs can make this happen in great ways. We are there to do so much more than simply teach students facts.
Let us be exceptional teachers and show that we truly care.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/students-desire-to-hear-from-teachers-lori-desautels?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great post! We have forgotten how important it is for teachers to truly care for students. When students know you care, they challenge themselves to learn more! The unspoken request is powerful - great find. This is something we all should refer to constantly.
Thanks for weaving together your thoughts and clearly communicating your message in this post! I am glad to see you are learning the power of differentiation and integration. That is a huge understanding!
How does this information relate to the NCTCS?
In my last paragraph I reference standard 2: teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.
DeleteI'm sorry I didn't make that very clear.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post! I agree with you that it is very important to show students that we care. I am a strong believer that it is important to make students feel like they have a purpose in life. As a future teacher I want to make sure my classroom is a positive environment with nurturing relationships. I also enjoyed the article you picked, it really explains what students want to hear from teachers and how we need to be positive influences to them.