Every Student Has A Story

How well do you know the children you teach? It seems lately, articles are surfacing as reminders of how important it is for teachers to be aware that every child sitting in the teacher’s class has their own unique story.

One Child’s Story

Many, many years back, there was a shy, blonde-haired girl, still 5 years old and fixing to start “big school,” (actually first grade.)  She was scared and apprehensive as most kids are when attending school for the first time. Something that helped ease the transition was knowing that her first cousin was going to be in her class. That was just the security and comfort she needed to begin her school career. The reason starting school was extra hard was because her mother died the week before school started.  She had a younger brother who was 3. Even at such an early age, she decided to take on the role of “mother” for her little brother. She and her brother were constant companions and playmates and she always watched over him. As this little girl struggled her way through first grade and an even worse year in second, life became confusing and hard, and yet somehow she managed. She often wondered what other kids thought of her, you know, not having a mother. She knew she had a different “life story” than all the other students. She also wondered what the teachers thought of her and her home life and struggles. She never received any special treatment or even an inkling of knowing that any adult at school knew of her situation or even cared. So, somewhere around fourth or fifth grade she found herself and came into her own with a stronger sense of identity. She no longer wondered what others thought of her. Being without a mother, by then, became the norm. She became a pretty good student. She made a few friends and loved learning about geography and the world. This child went through her elementary, middle school, and high school years overcoming way more than most kids her age ever have. Was there an advocate for her? Was there a nurturing teacher or mentor along the way? The answer is “no.” The reason I know this, as some of you have already guessed, that child was me. It is true, every single child in your classroom has their own story. If you look closely at your students, maybe there is a child being raised by a grandparent or one that has a parent incarcerated or one that has a parent or sibling going through some serious illness. Maybe a parent has lost a job, or the family is dealing with trauma or addiction or financial hardships. All of these sad scenarios are possibilities and we, as teachers, have to be aware and do all that we can to help our students navigate through some really tough times.

A Guiding Principle

In Responsive Classroom, we have 6 Principles that guide our beliefs about children and teaching. One of them is—Know the children you teach. Know them individually, developmentally, and culturally. Teachers let this information inform their expectations, attitudes, and reactions to the students. Today, teachers are doing more than just teaching a particular curriculum. When we learn about our students on a more personal level, we are available to help them manage and cope with social/emotional skills—and not just the academics–what’s covered during the school year or prepare for a test. Teachers are teaching social and emotional skills–which are essential and important and any learning that occurs, has to include these life skills. Students today, have to be more than just “book smart!” Students need to be able to cooperate and be an active team member, assert their ideas and beliefs in a respectful way, take responsibility for their share of the work and for their actions, and demonstrate empathy for others and self-discipline for themselves.

The Beginning of a New Year

As 2017 comes to a close, teachers will soon get their minds focused on the New Year and the next semester of school. As you prepare your students to reflect on the hopes, dreams and goals that were set back in August/September, take time on the first few days back and have them do a self-reflection. What are their new goals and areas for growth? What will be your new goals and areas for growth? As teachers, taking time to reflect is nothing new. We often do this.  I hope in these days to come, before school starts back up, you think about each of your students and ask yourself if you really know their story and what can you do to support that student. Connect with their parents or guardians and establish a rapport. Working closely with the family and the student can be just the turning point that child in your class needs. Can you be their advocate, their mentor, the person they can turn to when they are having a difficult day? Maybe that can be part of your goal setting or New Year’s Resolution for 2018!

May everyone have a wonderful 2018!