Week 5
Good morning, everyone!
This week's reading in AMLE focused on the all the factors that play key roles in creating a supportive, safe, and inviting classroom and school climate. These factors include the following: respect among staff and teachers, among students and teachers, and peer to peer, encouragement and positive feedback, fairness, advocacy by adults, the inclusion of support staff at middle schools, and connection between school and family life.
All of these factors are significant in creating an environment where students feel free to express their developing opinions, to learn as much as they can, and to do those things knowing they are safe, supported, and valued. I discussed this a little bit in a previous blog post, but I feel it is worth expressing again: often times middle school age students feel like they are not heard, or dismissed by adults. If educators and schools together work towards making these students feel valued and safe, the result will be more time spent on academic, social, and relationship growth rather than trying to piece together their changing lives by myself.
The amount of time that a middle school student spends on thinking about why their teachers pick on them, why they can't do anything correctly, and comparing themselves to their peers is astronomical. If we work towards building trusting relationships with our students, and build a classroom with a positive atmosphere where every students opinions and work are valued, we can eliminate the time students spend pondering these issues. Instead, that time can be spent more productively. This segues in to the next component I wanted to discuss: relationships with adults, not just teachers.
There are a typically a lot of adults involved in the life of a child. Parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, family members, and coaches. I challenge all of you to think about how often these adults are working towards creating an environment for a middle school aged student to thrive. Often times, with all the access to adults, there are very few who are active support systems for these kids. I liked that the text discussed the importance of positive communication and involvement with parents/ guardians and school staff. I also liked that the text extended that inclusion to community leaders. If kids feel they have a whole team working to ensure they are taken care of, and growing to reach their ultimate potential, I think it will have incredible impact on the future of this country.
My mother once told me that all babies need is food, love, and to feel safe in order to grow. I think that is true for all kids, no matter what age. They need to know and truly understand that there are adults who have their back. That support is invaluable to them during this transitional age, and something they will take with them into adulthood. One day, these students will be the adults. They may not remember every lesson they were taught in the classroom, but they will DEFINITELY always remember how they were treated, and how people made them feel.
This week's reading in AMLE focused on the all the factors that play key roles in creating a supportive, safe, and inviting classroom and school climate. These factors include the following: respect among staff and teachers, among students and teachers, and peer to peer, encouragement and positive feedback, fairness, advocacy by adults, the inclusion of support staff at middle schools, and connection between school and family life.
All of these factors are significant in creating an environment where students feel free to express their developing opinions, to learn as much as they can, and to do those things knowing they are safe, supported, and valued. I discussed this a little bit in a previous blog post, but I feel it is worth expressing again: often times middle school age students feel like they are not heard, or dismissed by adults. If educators and schools together work towards making these students feel valued and safe, the result will be more time spent on academic, social, and relationship growth rather than trying to piece together their changing lives by myself.
The amount of time that a middle school student spends on thinking about why their teachers pick on them, why they can't do anything correctly, and comparing themselves to their peers is astronomical. If we work towards building trusting relationships with our students, and build a classroom with a positive atmosphere where every students opinions and work are valued, we can eliminate the time students spend pondering these issues. Instead, that time can be spent more productively. This segues in to the next component I wanted to discuss: relationships with adults, not just teachers.
There are a typically a lot of adults involved in the life of a child. Parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, family members, and coaches. I challenge all of you to think about how often these adults are working towards creating an environment for a middle school aged student to thrive. Often times, with all the access to adults, there are very few who are active support systems for these kids. I liked that the text discussed the importance of positive communication and involvement with parents/ guardians and school staff. I also liked that the text extended that inclusion to community leaders. If kids feel they have a whole team working to ensure they are taken care of, and growing to reach their ultimate potential, I think it will have incredible impact on the future of this country.
My mother once told me that all babies need is food, love, and to feel safe in order to grow. I think that is true for all kids, no matter what age. They need to know and truly understand that there are adults who have their back. That support is invaluable to them during this transitional age, and something they will take with them into adulthood. One day, these students will be the adults. They may not remember every lesson they were taught in the classroom, but they will DEFINITELY always remember how they were treated, and how people made them feel.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and the text that parents/guardians have a tendency to pull away from their children during the young adolescent years when it should be the opposite. Middle schoolers probably actually require more attention from adults than any other age group because of their need to socialize. As you have stated, all adults involved in a child's life should actively support them.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI concur that it takes a village! And you are so spot on with all of the important adults that can make a powerful impact on a student's life. I think back to all of the great coaches, teachers, pastors, school staff, etc. that helped shape my educational experience and life. These individuals took an interest in me, cared for me and wanted to push me and help me grow to be the best version of myself. I can relate to that as I work with my students. Everyday I want them to succeed in things they do in the classroom and outside of the classroom too.
Great post!
~Kirsten
Great points Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI agree and also wrote about this topic. Relationship is very important to a child at this age. I appreciate your insight into the mind of a middle schooler. I agree that adult's must support the child in their lives and value their opinion.