Giving Grace - Why Kindness is Key in the Classroom

Yesterday, November 13th, was World Kindness Day. An annual day dedicated to the promotion and celebration of being kind to yourself and others, and being kind to the world. It is a great reminder that kindness binds us all together and that it doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day.

Students spend a huge chunk of their lives in the classroom as they grow and develop, and they will learn about more than just fractions, the Boston Tea Party, or the periodic table as they pass from grade to grade. They are exposed to more social interactions and emotions, known as social and emotional learning (SEL). 

Teachers and educators play a huge part in this, mainly in elementary education, but it continues all the way to high school graduation. School is a major social setting where students will watch your behavior as well as other students’ behaviors, which can ultimately influence their own behavior. You may not realize it, but your classroom is a place where your students will learn self awareness, decision making, relationship building skills, and more. 

With that in mind, it is pertinent that educators and administrators lead with grace and kindness at all times. The impact you can have on a child’s life can be so big, so make sure that you are a positive role model in the classroom. 

It’s important to use kind words and actions in your day-to-day interactions. It’s also important to communicate with your students to establish a trusting and supportive relationship, so they know they can talk to you about anything that is going on or bothering them.

When students see and experience kindness, it shows. They feel more confident, they are more willing to learn, and they are more likely to participate and engage in the classroom. You will also see it spread as students begin to pay it forward when they feel it. 

Imagine a world without bullies - a world where nothing but nice words, high fives, hugs, and friendly invitations are shared. Wouldn’t that be nice? School shouldn’t be a place that gives children anxiety or stress. It shouldn’t be a place they want to avoid because another student is harassing them or making fun of them. 

School should be a place for children to grow in a positive environment. Students should be able to go to school to make friends, learn new things, and find out what they are interested in without judgment from others. 

This past week in North Carolina, a high school in Mooresville was shaken after there was an apparent suicide on their campus one morning. This heartbreaking incident goes to show that you truly never know what is going on in someone’s life. You never know a person’s internal struggle. So, be kind. Show empathy. Say hello. Be inclusive. Your words matter and hold weight, whether you believe it or not. You have the ability to make a difference!

Today’s world can be so divided and it is refreshing to pause and take a moment to be human. Smile at your neighbor, give a stranger a compliment, hold the door open, or invite someone new from work or class to lunch. You never know what can come from these simple acts of kindness.

How do you encourage kindness in your classroom? Tag us @leapedlive in Instagram and Twitter so we can see your kind words and actions. We want to see how you make someone smile!

The Need for Change in Education

Education. It’s costly, it is grossly underfunded, and there are inconsistencies and inequalities within the system. As much as we try to move forward and improve education, it almost feels like the more things change, the more they stay the same. 

Let’s begin with the cost of education. Most of us know the burden of student loans, and the strain we go through to apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc. We do all of this work knowing that a huge debt is looming in the background as we enjoy our college years. How can we fully focus on the experience when we know the harsh reality waiting on the other side of graduation?

With other great career options available through trade school or even through social media influencing, more and more students are turning away from furthering their education in a University setting or other school system. Everyone should have the opportunity and accessibility to pursue their passion, no matter the field of interest.

Funding Public K-12 Education in America

The Century Foundation (TCF) published a study led by school finance expert Bruce Baker in 2020 that examined funding gaps in the U.S. public school system. According to this study, the U.S. is underfunding public schools by nearly $150 billion annually. This limits the amount of resources needed in each classroom, which then hinders student success. We cannot keep underinvesting in future generations.

The U.S. is underfunding public schools by nearly $150 billion annually.

This inequality in funding came from budget cuts that followed the Recession in 2007, leading about half of the U.S. states to spend less on education, creating funding gaps. This hit lower-income communities (mainly in the southeast and southwest states) harder than most, causing a ton of teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and a reduction in school programs. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I could do my best work in an overpopulated classroom with no opportunity for one-on-one time with the teacher to help me grasp a topic I have been struggling to understand.

Inconsistency & Inequality

When lower-income communities are underfunded, this gives students in middle- to upper-class neighborhoods a better chance to reach graduation. This is incredibly unfair to millions - yes, millions - of students across the country. Your background and your home life should not determine your path.

Schools with less than 50% minority enrollment are less likely to have funding gaps, while other schools are twice as likely to have a funding gap if more than half of their students are Black or Latinx. What can be done to decrease funding gaps all over? What is it going to take to convince local governments to provide the support these schools and students need?

A New Tomorrow

At Leaped, we want everyone to have access to the subjects they are interested in without worrying about the debt that lies ahead. Pursuing your education and what you are passionate about should not be unattainable. Leaped will build communities of like-minded people who care about helping each other succeed, and it will happen without you having to dump thousands of dollars into the process.

This platform will offer education on a variety of topics from all types of educators, so that you have a plethora of options to choose from. It will require communication and engagement, so that students are getting the most out of their time learning. It will offer flexibility so that you can teach or learn on a schedule that works for you. 

Most importantly, Leaped is a platform that will give educators the support they need and deserve, while giving students a place to learn without financial worry.

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