I’ve often heard it said
that teacher learns more the first year of teaching than the years spent in
college combined. As I am concluding my first year of teaching, I can verify
that statement!
When I began this year, I
was (shall we say) ‘in the dark’ about a lot of areas concerning the teaching
process. Including what exactly I would be teaching. That is, until the week
before school. (Yes, as in ONE week.) So, I’m finishing up this year as, yes,
the full-time K-12 Music Instructor. In addition to being a full-time Jr. High
teacher in 7th grade Math, NC History, and Jr. High Bible. *May I
point out the obvious? I did not study to be a Jr. High teacher! However, allow
me to make another obvious statement (I make quite a few of those): It is May,
and I have survived the ride so far. J (and enjoyed it.)
*These comments/descriptions are not meant in any way as
degrading to my place of employment, I am simply painting the scenario of my
first year for you.
And, in addition to
survival, I can again re-affirm my first statement: I feel as though I have
learned more than my students. Over the next several blog posts, I will be
sharing a few things I’ve learned. Preface: I am not claiming to be a
seasoned authority on educational advice; I’m simply a teacher/grad.
student who thrives on learning and sharing. J
The things I share will not simply be applicable for teachers; I hope it will
be informative for all of my readers. I have a few blog posts in the ‘draft’
stage that will be specifically for parents. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading
what I’ve learned this year!
The first part of this
series will be what I call ‘The ABC’s of Educators.’ So, today I’ll start with
‘a.’
Approachable.
This
year I’ve learned and observed many things students expect (not simply want)
from their teachers and authority. (Parents, peers, pastor, etc.) When
raising/teaching children, battles must be wisely and carefully chosen.
However, by simply being available and approachable, you, as the authority,
teacher, parent, etc., will eliminate
over 50% of coming battles. Approachable literally means to be ‘friendly
and easy to talk to.’ Stop making predetermined outcomes and assumptions before
hearing your student/child’s explanation, and actually listen to their ‘side of the story.’ (One of my ‘rules’ is that a
student may ask/say anything as long as it is said with a correct attitude.)
Even if the student/child is wrong in their opinion, he/she will feel mutual
respect in knowing that a ‘big person’ actually took time to hear his/her story
without being belittled, interrupted, or criticized.
Let
your kids know right off that you want to hear their ideas, opinions, and
concerns. This also establishes a level of respect between parent/child,
teacher/student, etc.
Another
terrific reason to be ‘friendly and easy to talk to’ is that as Christians, we
are representatives of Jesus to others. Even little people (kids). It has been
said that if you give a child a correct view/concept of God, you will give them
the keys to the world. How then can we tell children that God wants to hear
their prayers and concerns if we are not willing to do the same? Thought
provoking, isn’t it? Therefore, if we: roll our eyes at their ideas, complain
through the gritty story details, and judge without hearing the whole matter,
it should come as no surprise when children struggle with talking to Jesus. I
am not a parent, but I remember how pleased and special I felt when my parents
expressed that they wanted to hear
what I had to say.
What are ways you use to connect or communicate with
your kids/students? I’d love to
hear them!
Until next time. . .
