Saturday, January 15, 2011
Edutopia: Development
I found the article written by Maurice Elias titled "Social, Emotional, and Character Development: The Heart of Student Learning" helpful in justifying the struggles of at-risk students. As teachers we feel the pressures that are placed upon us from the world to make sure every young adult has equal opportunities to become successful. The ever so increasing demands of teaching content continue to increase as we continue to push more and more academic pressures on young learners. As an educator, my job is to provide a fun and safe learning environment while implementing instruction that encourages students to develop and grow within their academic potential. The question then becomes, how can teachers do their jobs when the basic needs of students have not been met in the home? On a daily basis, students enter the academic arena without breakfast, clean clothes, a warm bed to sleep in, or a safe home environment. If students' emotional and physical needs are ignored then learning will continue to take a back seat to education. The solution to guarantee a chance for an equal opportunity for all learners is to first balance (equalize) their physical, emotional, and social needs first.
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Thanks for sharing. This is, as you state, something that teachers have been dealing with for many years, if not since the beginning of time, and is not an easy subject to discuss. I have had students come to me regarding these types of situations at home, and even taken students under my wing where things may be lacking at home. Even if it is simply to give them an ear to hear what they need to talk about or offering guidance, a teacher becomes like a second parent or extended family member to many students. It is very sad to see where students aren't getting the right physical, emotional, or social structure in the home. When it is lacking, it makes it much harder on the teacher to try to educate.
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