I believe Connections Create Classrooms!
As educators, our ability to forge meaningful relationships with our students is not just a peripheral aspect but also the cornerstone of fostering a conducive learning environment. At schools, children thrive not only academically, but also emotionally and socially if we create a joyful environment for learning than build great content. When teachers prioritize authentic connections with their students, something magical unfolds. In the moments of establishing such connections through conversations about their dreams, desires, and demons, genuine interactions transcend many mental boundaries. A heartfelt inquiry by a teacher and an intent to know more about the story of a student can sow the seeds of trust, understanding, and security. An interaction with a mischievous kid should not merely be lodged with batteries of rebuke, but when charged with laughter, can build the much-needed trust. These moments are not frivolous distractions from the curriculum but rather the fertile ground where a child’s potential blossoms.
Recognizing that a teacher’s role transcends that of an instructor, at my school, we have embraced a practice known as “seek and connect”. It’s about reaching out to a child beyond the confines of structured lessons and engaging in conversations that extend a hand of empathy and support. In this process, a bond is forged that cuts across the contemporary student-teacher dynamic, laying the foundation for a safe and nurturing educational journey. Several studies consistently affirm what educators have long intuited i.e., children flourish when they feel valued, heard, and understood. The simple act of lending an ear and truly listening is proving to be transformative. As the adage goes, “Children will listen to you after they feel listened to”. It’s in this space of feeling seen and heard that genuine connections are taking root, fostering an environment where children are not just taught but truly understood. A casual suspension of a classroom’s formality is often the simplest remedy that many fail to acknowledge. An uninhabited conversation about why a child despises Math and the problems he/she faces with it coupled with personal experiences is a channel to facilitate potential remedies. Moreover, fostering these connections isn’t merely a prelude to academic success; it’s a catalyst that propels holistic development.
Children who feel emotionally secure in their educational settings are more likely to exhibit reduced emotional distress and less propensity towards undesired behaviour. These connections, whether perceived at home or within the school community, serve as anchors that instill a sense of belonging and support the child’s overall well-being. In the grand scheme of education, it is imperative to prioritize relationships over rightness, grace over grades, and patience over performance. Building bridges of empathy and understanding with students lays the groundwork for a more receptive and engaged learning environment. It is about winning children over with kindness, empathy, genuine care, a dash of fun, and a pinch of laughter, rather than aiming to achieve compliance. Ultimately, the profound truth that — connections matter is working wonders for us at our school. It is the cornerstone upon which we are witnessing joyful classrooms.
In the bustling world of teaching, where a daily schedule might involve three or four classes of around twenty students each, it is impossible to memorize every detail about every child within the first month. However, what truly matters is paying attention enough to grasp each student’s personality, learning style, and interests. Encouraging students to share their hobbies and experiences is creating a welcoming environment. We lead them by example and share our interests and experiences! When a student is excited about an accomplishment, whether it is related to class or outside of it, we celebrate their success enthusiastically. What matters most is acknowledging their effort and enthusiasm.
We also try reaching out to their wider network of support, including parents and caregivers. Not every interaction with parents must be about complaints. Sending positive notes home when students do something commendable strengthens this connection. As they say, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
Relationships before Rigor!
Grace before Grades!
Patience before Performance and
Love before Lessons …. Should be our lifestyle!
Happy New Year! Happy New You!
