10 Ways To Make Your Classroom a Safe Place For Students
10 Ways To Make Your Classroom a Safe Place For Students
I grew up in a home where mom and dad loved each other, where we ate together, said good-night to each other, went on vacations together. It was a loving environment. I can't remember not being happy.
As new teachers, however, you're going to find students who have home lives you won't believe. Many students struggle not because they lack the ability, but rather because their mind is more focused on the drama that's going on at home.
Home should be the student's favorite place to be. When it's not, your classroom needs to be.
It's up to you to provide a safe place where they can escape to.
How can I make my classroom a safe place, Sam?
I'm glad you asked.
Here are 10 ways you can make your classroom a safe place for your students.
1. Listen.
Don't just hear. Stop what you're doing. Look into their eyes and give their story value. They'll come to you with a tragic story of how their favorite TV show was cancelled. Inside you'll be laughing, but don't. You may be the only adult who will take the time to be interested in what they have to say.
2. Ask.
Ask them questions about anything. "What did you do over the weekend? Who is your favorite singer? What do you think about what happened on American Idol? When you ask them questions, you are showing that you are interested in their opinion, which translates in their brains to the teacher being interested in them.
3. Encourage.
A lot of students, especially the students with poor home lives like to give up quickly. They run into an obstacle, and instead of trying to overcome it, they quit. That's where you come in. "Don't give up. You can do it. I know you can. Try it again." You may be the only adult who has ever shown them support.
4. Praise.
This is an easy one. Make a big deal about their accomplishments, even the small ones. If they answer a question correctly, don't just say, "Right." Make it an event. "YES! That's a smart boy right there! Good answer." Some kids never get any praise.
5. Forget.
Forget the mistakes. Forget the times when the student irritated you. Forget the bad grade on a test. Forget the drama of yesterday. Forget and forget quickly. They will forget their failures faster when you do.
6. Remember.
Remember the successes. Remember when the student answered the question right yesterday. Remember the funny story he/she told you a week ago. Remember the good grade on the last test, and here's a big one: Remember their birthday. You don't have to make it a big event with a jumper and Bobo the Clown, but even saying, "Happy Birthday" will send a message that they are important enough that you remembered their birthday. People who care about you celebrate your special day. When you do tell them "Happy Birthday," try saying it in front of the class or in a crowded hallway. That's cool.
7. Touch.
You have to be careful with this one, of course. Women have a little bit more freedom to give a hug to students, but even male teachers like me can give a high five or a knuckle touch. I like giving pats on the back also. I never hug students unless they initiate it, and even then it's a quick one. There is something about physical contact, however, that sends a message to the student that they are valued. Some students, believe it or not, never get hugs from their parents.
8. Smile.
This is more powerful than it appears. I'm not a natural smiler, and it's something that I have to consciously make an effort to do. Smiling tells a student that they are welcomed. A smile is a form of communication. It sends a message - a message of approval. A smile from a teacher can be the only positive message that a student receives all day.
9. Predict.
Show the future to your students. Describe to them a future where they are successful and happy and making a difference in the world. I know teachers who tell their students, "If you don't get good grades, you're going to end up spending your life taking out other people's garbage." I know they're trying to motivate the student, but it works better if you offer a future that is bright and filled with success for those who get good grades. For those students who are dealing with stressful situations, remind them that the future is better than the present. Predict a positive future. You may be the only adult who does.
10. I left this one blank on purpose.
What would you add to is list? What else can you do to make your classroom more like home?
Every student is different. Find what your students need most, and provide it.
Teaching is so much more than just educating. Sometimes you have to be the parent, counselor, encourager, friend, sounding board, and even a home maker. Start today. Make an extra effort to identify these "home-less" students, and make your classroom their safe place.
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