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In what ways do you feel you currently nurture your students? How have you seen this impact them?
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When I notice students giving good effort, I point it out. I also try to point out when a student has struggled with behavior and has made improvements. I have stuffed animal character awards I give which are very motivating. For example, if I see a student exhibit kindness or helpfulness, they may earn Kindness Kangaroo or Helpful Hippo. These are small stuffed animals which the student is able to keep on their desk for a few days. Certificates go home so parents can see them as well. When others see the stuffed animals on students’ desks, hopefully they are reminded to practice the same character traits as the students who earned them.
I like to celebrate hard work by giving “one second parties”. When a student does something particularly challenging we all count to 3 and say “Oh Yah!” . We also have behavior reward parties in which students get to vote on a treat and fun activity. They must work together as a course. Everyone must cooperate in order to earn these parties. I encourage my students to encourage one another to behave appropriately so that we can all celebrate together. I have been touched by many of the encouraging comments they say to one another.
We also talk about how to handle conflict with one another. We practice how to respond to those who are offending us according to Matt. 18 and what a loving response does versus a negative response. I sometimes have students write notes of apology or encouragement to one another. As the year progresses, I see and hear more encouraging words and behavior and less conflict. -
I allow my students to question things that I say and opinions that I hold. We have an understanding that it will be done in a respectful way, that emotions will be kept in check, and evidence will be provided. This creates open discussion based on fact and not feelings. I hope that this will help build young adults who can go out into the world and challenge others in a respectful, fact-based way.
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I nurture students by being present to listen to the pieces of their lives and by honestly engaging with their thoughts and ideas. Whether it is allowing them choice in our learning activities or responding to their specifically chosen journal prompts, I seek to encourage students in the place they are. The process includes finding ways and places for them to bond as friends and comrades beyond the classroom so they can practice social and emotional learning in academic spaces. Also staying connected to their parents and other parts of their community allows students to be cared for as a whole person. While students experience nurturing with different levels of concern and value, they recognize the benefits of a teacher who knows them well and cares for their whole self.
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I listen to what they want to discuss. I have found that one of the easiest things to do is just listen to what they are saying. Often students don’t feel heard by the adults in their life and so being a sounding board can be very powerful. If they ask questions, I give them honest answers . It is important to respect your students enough to tell them the truth even if it is something they may not want to hear.
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I believe it’s an honor and pleasure to intentionally nurture, and teach students how to encourage and support each other. I love using scriptures that we can read together, which provide knowledge of what the Word says about supporting each other. In addition, scriptures that teach how our words can build up or tear down. I think when they understand that our words are powerful, they are more aware to think before speaking to each other. An example would be during a team project. While teaching, I have used the idea of “filling our buckets”. I keep note-sized paper available for student use. When they want to give an “attaboy, verbal high-five, or a nuruting/encouraging word” they can write it on the note, and place it in their classmates bucket. I have used “stockings” at Christmas that were filled with encouraging notes from their classmates. They took the stockings home on the last day, and read them through the Holiday season. I do the same during the last week of school, to be read during summer break.