Showing Compassion; The Little Things

We live in a world of broken relationships where movies depict caring as weakness and your point of reference to what relationships should look like is according to whomever is at the top of your playlist.

Never the less, feeling loved and a sense of belonging are basic human needs, ones that are especially high in school children. As teachers we are bound by duty of care, with compassion being a major component of care. Showing compassion to your students and creating a compassionate atmosphere in the classroom will give the learner a sense of acceptance and belonging. But, this is way easier said than done. Showing compassion to 7-ish classes of 30 or 40 odd students a day does not necessarily come natural to everyone, so here are a few tips:

1. Check in on the students. Pay attention to small changes in behavior and let them know that your door is always open if they need someone to talk to. Remember that they have a life outside of your class and that it does not always coincide with the plans that you have.
2.  Everyone messes up every now and then. If some this does not go according to plan, let the learner know that you had expected more, but that it is okay and he/she can try again next time around.
3.  Set the bar high, but let the learners know that you believe in their abilities and that you are there if they need you along the way. This should not only be done is a group setting, but also on a personal level. Try to find that one thing that shines in each of your students and make them see it too.
4. Approach the learners on their level. Let them know that, even though you are the authority figure in the class, you do not see yourself as above them. Do this by noting the tone of voice and vocabulary you use when you speak to them, along with occasionally kneeling next to their desks to talk to them on their physical level.
5. Ask more open-ended questions; this will allow the student to share more, strengthening the connection between you and the student.
6. Share your stories with the learners, this will make your relationship with them deeper and “more human”. It allows the learners to realize that their problems are temporary and that they will make it through them just as you made it through. It is, however, very important not to overshare or share anything inappropriate with the learners.
7. Take time to reflect on what you did this week; what worked and what didn’t. This way, you can get to know how to approach your learners and what they respond to best.
8. As a teacher, you should lead by example. You should always display acts of compassion in front of your students. Be kind, understanding and aware (especially when interacting with colleagues). You should not dismiss questions, assume anything, or close your door to anyone. When you show you care about people and the world around you, students will pick up on these behaviors, and may feel more comfortable approaching you with concerns.

Although some of these might seem insignificant and small, it is important that we remember that the actions of a single person in a single moment can make or break a child.