Being a teacher is an incredibly important role; you're directly responsible for the minds of tomorrow, our future leaders. It's your job to mould young minds into critical thinkers, encourage kids to take an analytical approach, and set acceptable standards of work and behavior. You're also partially responsible for the kids' well-being.
This article will explore some things teachers can do to support their students, both emotionally and academically. We'll discuss how educators can effectively support students in both of these ways. So, if you're interested in this topic, continue reading to learn more.
Kids are good at different things, and the diversity of minds in the classroom is a great thing. You may have students who excel at mathematics or science and others who are more adept at English or creative writing. Others still may be better at drawing art or other subjects. It's important that you celebrate the individual strengths and talents of your classroom cohort, giving praise for good work and acknowledging the skills of your students. Kids respond well to praise and accolades, so you must give credit where it's due and celebrate each student's individual strengths and talents.
Mental health in children is just as important as physical health, yet it can often be overlooked, or the signs can be missed, even with the best intentions. Learning to identify the signs of poor mental health in your students can be tricky, especially if you are not overly familiar with the warning signs of poor mental health. However, it is essential to be able to recognize the early warning signs and seek help if a student is struggling.
Some of the common signs of poor mental health can include rapid changes in mood, paranoia, lack of motivation, differences in behavior or personality, social withdrawal during break times, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms like headaches or trouble with digestion. It's important to note that everyone, even kids, shows their struggles differently and that mental illness can manifest in several different ways. However, by staying aware of these warning signs, you can help students who may be suffering and find the appropriate help, which we'll discuss now.
If you suspect that a student may be struggling with their mental health, you must escalate this if you feel you don't have the skills, qualifications, or capacity to properly support a student with their mental health.
As a teacher, you can refer students to speak with a school counselor if they need additional support that you aren’t qualified to provide. A school counselor will have completed an online Masters in School Counseling or another relevant qualification that enables them to deal with mental health troubles properly. You may want to flag with your school counselor if you notice that a student is displaying any of the warning signs that we've mentioned above.
This is a sensitive topic, so be warned that this next section may be triggering to read.
As a teacher, you have a duty of care to your students. This means that you need to be across the warning signs of child abuse. Child abuse can have severe implications for a child's well-being and future success in life, but early detection and intervention can mean catching the perpetrator and bringing them to justice. Some of the warning signs that a student is being abused include:
If you suspect that a student may be suffering from abuse, you must notify the relevant authorities. You should inform the school counselor, or inform the local child protection services in your state, or the police.
Fostering open communication in the classroom can be a vital aspect of creating an inclusive and positive learning environment in your classroom. By creating an environment where students feel comfortable and safe to express their ideas and concerns, teachers can facilitate a more engaging and collaborative learning experience. This atmosphere of open dialogue can not only promote improved student participation and engagement in classroom discussion but can also assist in building stronger and improved relationships between students and you, their teacher.
When students feel listened to, heard, and valued, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning process and develop a greater sense of personal responsibility and accountability. By creating open communication methods in the classroom, such as active listening and providing constructive feedback to students, teachers can create a classroom culture that promotes student growth and success. This is an excellent way to support students throughout their educational journey.
We all learn from our mistakes, and kids are no different. It's important that you create an environment in the classroom where kids are safe to fail and learn from their mistakes. You should acknowledge that mistakes happen and are part of life and the learning process, and that it is just as important to learn from mistakes as it is to get things right all the time. This will help you create a safe and supportive space for your students in your classroom.
There is a high chance that you have some students with a neurodivergent experience in your classroom. Even though diagnosis is becoming more common these days, there have always been autistic people and those with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia or Tourette's. Part of ensuring equity in the classroom and supporting your students is making adjustments for these students to fully participate in learning.
For example, you can encourage frequent movement breaks or "brain breaks" for these students, allowing them to get up and move their bodies throughout the day. You could allow the use of fidget toys while these kids learn, so those with kinetic learning styles can absorb lessons fully.
You could also create a quiet corner in your classroom with a teepee or tent filled with comfortable cushions and sensory modulation items. This way, neurodivergent students can access this space when they need some time out if learning gets too much and they become overwhelmed. It's crucial that students know they can use the quiet corner whenever they need to, instead of setting times throughout the day.
