To enjoy the fruit of life, we need to learn how to “SOW” the seed of patience, “GROW” the plant of courage which will bear the “FRUIT” of victory as shown in the picture.
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Situation 1:- A fearful student
As an enthusiastic and passionate educator, I found myself facing a unique challenge in my teaching career. In my classroom of diverse and talented students, there was a little girl named Arushi who was a new student.
I noticed the fear in her eyes and the unease in her body language. During the first few days, she always used to tap her pencil and look restless. I understood that her fear might be due to the desire to fit in with her new classmates.
Instead of reprimanding her, I decided to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. One morning, when the class settled down, I gathered the students in a circle and initiated an activity named "Welcome circle". Each student was encouraged to share something about themselves that others might not know. This activity not only helped Arushi feel included but also allowed the other students to see her as more than just a new student.
During that activity, I also shared a personal story about my struggles with my fear when I was young. I explained how I overcame it with the support of my teachers. Arushi seemed intrigued by my story and appeared to find solace in the fact that she wasn't alone in feeling this way.
I occasionally organised mindfulness exercises into my class routine. These activities and exercises not only helped Arushi manage her fear but also allowed the entire class to develop a sense of calmness and focus.
As the days passed, she began to open up more and became an active participant in class discussions. I noticed that she started to ask questions and express her thoughts, even if she hesitated at times. I praised her efforts by encouraging her to continue sharing her ideas.
At the end of the year, she flourished academically and developed strong bonds with her classmates. During a farewell ceremony, Arushi stood in front of the class with a confident smile and delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking me for being a teacher who truly cared and believed in her.
Situation 2: An impatient student
Patience helps us to develop a healthy attitude. It improves our ability to accept setbacks and enjoy life more. There is a saying; “Good things come to those who wait.” It allows us to persevere and make more productive decisions, often leading to success.
In my teaching career, I remember the year I faced a class filled with unusually impatient students. I noticed that my students couldn't sit still during lessons and were always eager for the next activity. Determined to help them cultivate patience and focus, I decided to embark on a unique teaching journey.
One sunny morning, I announced a special project called "The Patience Quest." I explained that the students would have to participate in a series of challenges designed to test and improve their patience.
The first challenge was called "The Waiting Game." Each student had to water a tiny seedling every
day and wait for it to grow into a beautiful plant. They learned that growth takes time and effort, just like learning.
Next came "The Art of Silence." The students were asked to meditate for a few minutes every day, concentrating on their breath and calming their minds. At first, it was tough for the restless bunch, but with time, they started to appreciate the peace and focus that silence brought.
As the weeks passed, I noticed a change in my students. They began to listen more attentively, complete their tasks diligently, and show understanding towards their peers. The class even started to encourage each other during challenging moments.
For the grand finale of "The Patience Quest," I organised a scavenger hunt. The students were given clues that led them all around the school. They had to work together and solve riddles, testing their patience and teamwork. At the end of the hunt, they found a treasure chest filled with personalised certificates praising their newfound patience and perseverance.
The once impatient students were now transformed into a more disciplined and focused class. They appreciated the value of patience and how it positively impacted their learning journey. It not only helped them academically but also nurtured their character.
Conclusion:
Dealing with fearful and impatient students can be a challenge, but as an educator, you can implement various strategies to help them feel more comfortable and engaged in the learning process. Here are some tips to address the needs of fearful and impatient students:
- Built trust and rapport.
- Understand their concern by talking with them.
- By providing constructive and encouraging feedback.
- Incorporate different teaching methods and activities to accommodate various learning styles.
- Foster peer Interaction through collaborative learning activities, group projects and discussions.
- Be Available for One-on-One Help.
- Be patient and empathetic.
Remember! Each student is unique, so adapt your approach to suit their needs. You can help fearful and impatient students thrive and develop a positive attitude towards learning by creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.