It's
been quite a week in our household. My husband recently began a job as a
film teacher at a local high school, working with at-risk youth, or
truthfully, many kids who are already involved in many risky behaviors.
After the first day of working with them, my husband admitted that there
were definitely some walls that would have to be broken down to connect
to many of these kids. No surprise there.
It
got me thinking. I find that since I've been in the early education
industry, I relate a lot of things in life to what I've learned about
children. When I see adults engaging in childish behaviors, I think like
a preschool teacher on what would be helpful to this person to regain
self-control (let's try holding hands and doing a breathing exercies...
ok let's count down from ten...). See, the things that work for kids,
often times works for us. I've learned that often times what causes
young kids to lose control or have an apathetic or fearful disposition
towards new situations often comes from their lack of basic needs being
met. I mean, how are you at work in the mornings after less than 5 hours
of sleep, no breakfast, and a couple cups of coffee to jumpstart your
day? Probably not at your best. You probably aren't as patient on the
road as you could be. Or as great a listener as you should be.
Maslow's
Hierarchy of Needs portrays what we need to get by before we can
succeed in the higher levels. If you are fearful for your safety, you
probably wouldn't be concerned with much else. As educators, we are
challenged with doing our best to guide and educate children, with their
home life circumstances being out of our control, and often times
knowing that students may not have those basic needs met. Some teachers
may simply treat every child "fairly" by teaching them all the exact
same way, thinking all students should learn the same way. But there is
more to that child's life than the hours they're with you in your care
or your classroom. Trying to be more aware and sensitive to the special
challenges many kids face on a daily basis might help us teach with more
grace, and may possibly change how we approach teaching in general.
Yes, it's challenging to offer individualized education. Yes, it's
impossible to meet every child's every need. Yes, there are SO many
things simply out of your control. But there is at least one thing you
can control - letting them know that you care.
Because
above those basic needs of food, water, shelter, safety, it's love.
It's being valued. Being valued by someone, or even by oneself. And
everyone needs that.
So to all my friends in
education, keep loving your students. They may not love you back, but
you do make a tremendous difference. To those of you who do, thank you
for doing what is often times a thankless job. You're changing the
world, one starfish at a time.
So what does any
of this have to do with my new year's resolution of becoming organized?
Not too much, besides the importance of pausing and remembering the
important things, and what really matters. We can't forget that, even in
all the business of life, because what is life if we forget our
purpose?
My tip for the day, is take the time
to read the "Starfish Story." I'm sure most of you have read this many
times, but reread it just to remind yourself. :) Each one counts.
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