Whether you've chosen junior or senior phase teaching, there will come a time in the classroom where you encounter learners who need more help than others. From learning struggles to emotional difficulties, supporting students is what makes a good teacher great.
Assisting these learners and looking out for signs of trauma are the key to creating successful school careers. For senior phase teaching enthusiasts, this age group often presents tough challenges for teachers. This is because students are passing through important stages of development like puberty.
From bad behaviour to anxiety and even aggression, here are a few ways to provide emotional support to learners in distress.
Get to the "why"
We've all been there when we've had a terrible day and we've taken it out on the ones closest to us. We didn't mean to but it's how things unfolded. The same applies to students in the learning environment. When children feel unsafe or threatened, they can sometimes lash out. Alternatively, they will reject someone before the person rejects them due to their own fear of being rejected. As their teacher, this will place you in the firing line and you will often bear the brunt of these incidents. It's important not to take it personally and to rather focus on getting to the root of the issue. In understanding where each student might be coming from, you'll be able to help them work through their issues. By building a student-teacher relationship that makes young people feel safe and understood, there will be fewer behavioural difficulties.
Age and stage milestones
The interesting thing about age is that it is not always a reflection of maturity. As you progress in your teaching career, you'll notice that some students in the class seem to be less mature than others. The tough part is having to bridge this gap in emotional development so that it doesn't impact their learning. It's important that you help these students feel part of the group although their immaturity might make them a target for school bullying.
Stay consistent
A big part of helping children feel safe and secure is the person that teaches them. As a teacher, consistency will be your best weapon in the fight against emotional battles. In staying consistent with your teaching methods and discipline, students will see your classroom as a safe place where they know what to expect. As a result, they'll be less likely to lash out and more likely to come to you when they have a problem. To stay consistent, you'll need to take good care of yourself so that you're able to show up to work each day. This includes eating well, exercising and getting enough rest. Teaching can be a physically and emotionally challenging profession. In staying healthy, you'll be able to meet the demands of the job.
You've got it in you
If you were born to be a teacher, why not share your talents and passions with the ones who need it most? If you'd like to read a little more about what makes an IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching from The IIE's Varsity College the best choice for aspiring educators, please click here.