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!

8 Ways to Encourage Student Success in the Classroom

You probably already have tons of engaging activities in your teaching repertoire, from educational games to dynamic study guides. However, it takes more than a few activities to help your students be the best, most successful version of themselves.

So, How Can Teachers Help Students be Successful?

Here are eight ways that you can promote your students’ success:

Be Clear and Transparent

Be upfront about what you expect from your students and what will be covered over the course of the class. Keep everyone in the loop about any changes or updates in the curriculum as you move forward. With everyone on the same page, there won’t be too many surprises, and you can guarantee that nobody is left behind.

Let Your Students Set the Pace of the Class

Before you really dive into your curriculum, start off with a quiz to figure out where your students are at with the material. Does anything need to be focused on more? Could you spend less time on a certain topic? Once you gauge their knowledge a little bit, you’ll be able to teach them more effectively.

Be Accessible

Emailing, tutoring after school, and even using lunch times are all ways for students to reach you outside of class. When you make yourself more available to students, you are showing them that you truly care about their learning. If you do open your email inbox or offer tutoring to them, be sure to reply in a timely manner or stay consistent with your tutor schedule. They want to know that you are true to your word!

Show a Genuine Interest in the Students

This point goes along with the previous one, because increasing your availability shows them how much you care about their efforts. They might be stubborn sometimes and not always realize it, but their confidence will continue to rise when they notice that you will not give up on them. 

Incorporate Engaging Learning Activities

Yes, play the games! Assign fun projects where students can create a comic strip about an important event. Play your own version of ‘Jeopardy’ with class material. Get creative when you engage the students with different activities to stimulate their minds. High School English Teacher Chelsea Herron knows how important engagement is.

“There definitely needs to be an emphasis on student engagement. From my experience, I think that comes from being up to date on the latest trends or technology and making them relevant and worthwhile for the students.”

Watch and see how excited they get about something that would otherwise be labeled boring or mundane.

Give Your Students Feedback

Tell them why they got the math problem wrong. Explain it to them. Tell them what they can do to improve their writing skills, or how they can study more efficiently. Help your students by constantly pushing them to do their best with their work.

Make Everything Meaningful

All of your content should be related and mean something; Projects, quizzes, tests, and activities should align with what your students need to know to pass the class. As long as they are absorbing relevant information throughout the course, you’re doing your job.

Set High Expectations

Let your students know that you expect them to ace your class! Tell them that you want them to succeed, and that you will do everything in your power to make sure that happens. Tell them that you are in their corner. You are rooting for them!

And, last but not least, here is a bonus idea: have FUN!

Show your class that you have a sense of humor by having fun while you teach. If you’re giving students the tools to succeed, and maybe some occasional tough love, you will gain their respect and watch them do great things.

How will you promote success in your classroom? Let us know - leave a comment, or message us on Instagram @leapedlive. We would love to hear your ideas!