During Tuesday evening's class, we participated in a lecture on Emotional Wellness provided by Sigma Tau 451's. I believe to be a great teacher; we need to remember that in everyday life we are people first. By that I mean, we have to bear in mind that our students are individuals with their own lives and everyday circumstances inside of school as well as in the outside world. Before reprimanding a student for not having their homework or finishing their reading assignment, or punishing students, or assigning detention, we should take a look at the bigger picture. We as teachers are their home away from home. The school is supposed to be a safe place to which parents can send their children knowing that they will be okay. A student should feel safe at school, even when home may not be safe, and know that someone is there to listen to them. Not just assume they are a problem child!
I believe this presentation had beautiful meaning behind it and is certainly something that should be expanded upon by the Education Department because it's important! It's important to remember that these little people have feelings too and don't always know how to deal with the world they aren't quite prepared to live in yet. Sometimes children don't even understand how they feel, why they feel that way, or what they feel! Sometimes it could be as simple as they didn't remember how to do their homework, or their parents couldn't help them. Sometimes it could be the death of a loved one or a close friend moving far away. Maybe it's just been a bad day, we all have them! Above all, I think we have to remember that they too are people and we need to be empathetic to what they are going through before making judgments on their character.
I know the issue of poverty was addressed specifically with the idea of those children who live in high-poverty areas, what wasn't discussed were the children who live in the middle to high-income districts in poverty. Some of these children as I see in my District, tend to "fly under the radar," because people don't expect to see it here. It's just something I would hope teachers think of no matter where Poverty does exist in different forms at different levels, everywhere! Overall, it was an asset to have attended, and I'm glad as a class we were able to participate.
Jill, I really enjoyed the workshop as well! I think that as future educators it is imperative that we understand the ways to discuss difficult topics. It is never easy having to deal with tragic situations, but it may make it easier on all of us if we know where to start. I hope that KDP continues to do this workshop, as I think it should be mandatory for teacher candidates.
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