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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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It is so incredibly important that EVERY student feels valued. Our youth are presently in an identity crisis! As a Christian educator, we have a beautiful opportunity to instill their value through Christ. To teach not only their creation in His image, but that through our differences we compliment His creation as a whole. The diversity of how students learn, can “make or break” a classroom teacher’s enjoyment to teach, if each isn’t celebrated and valued. As a teacher, I can make my students feel valued by celebrating the different learning styles within my classroom. I can teach my students that are struggling readers, they are valued by helping them find what “works” for them. I can adapt my strategies to meet their individual learning needs. This will show that I value them as learners.
I can also make my students feel valued by incorporating the variety of their skills into activities; such as artist, readers, dancers, builders/engineers, etc. Allowing them to participate in the way that best fits their skills/creative ideas to help them be successful. They each have so much to give!
Lastly, I can help my students feel valued by being a Godly example through my character and showing them the heart of God. Ensuring that my discipline is enveloped in His example of grace and mercy. -
I call students by their name. I find out what is happening in their lives and show interest in their success. I give them real feedback about their performance, and the consequences of that effort (both positive and negative). I display student work.
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I listen to their opinions, but then I challenge them to prove their opinions with Scripture. I never just validate their opinions that only gives them value for that moment. I challenge them to push themselves to go above and beyond what they thought they could do. But, I don’t just let them go on their own. I come alongside of them to make sure that they can succeed.
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What a great questions! I tell my students that they are created in God’s image. My school, International Community School in Singapore, has a list of 10 Expected Student Outcomes. One of them is that students have a godly self-image. I love to talk to my students about that idea, and not only for themselves, but also that others are also created in God’s image and worthy of respect. I also try to appreciate their unique contribution to our classroom and by reassuring them that they do not have to compare themselves to others, but to be faithful to who God has created them to be. I also have high expectation of them and give them choices. When there is a problem in the course, I talk to students one-on-one privately to see if I can help and get to the heart of the issue. I value them and tell them and others how valuable they are.
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Everyday I want to acknowledge my students and make them feel welcome as they enter the classroom. Relationship is so important. I want to know about their interests and share a little bit of my world with them as well in order to build trust. I will encourage them to share their questions or comments within a lesson. They need to know our classroom is a sanctuary for learning and for biblical wisdom where Christ is center. I want my students to know WHO THEY ARE IN CHRIST. Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” He clearly values them, as do we. I want to share with them these words from Jesus. I will value my students by making a clear distinction between what is biblically right and wrong, sjaring who they are in Christ, and by praying with them and for their eternities.
