PROACTIVE APPROACH

Social and emotional learning are ways to improve our students’ academic performance. Teachers should take a proactive approach to make sure their needs are being met.

Students have to feel safe, nurtured and supported. Deep inside, they are still developing emotionally, socially and cognitively. We have the ability to do that in a safe environment that is school.

But it’s not just about the kids. Teachers also need understanding and support to be able to meet the needs of the kids on a basic level.

There is also a need to build the students’ capacity to develop leadership skills by giving them a class in leadership.

The colors of a classroom may also have something to do with the process of learning. Rooms should have calming colors, utilizing it as a strategy. According to studies, smells and things around students are helpful in their learning.

Our approach should always be proactive. We should give students time practice strategies and put a lot of effort in building positive relationships.

As educators, we can't help others until we help ourselves. This is a hard and exhausting job. If you need a minute to catch up, then do so.

Sometimes we just need to ask for help, too.

--oOo— The author is Teacher I at Porac National High School