I'm guessing many students feel like school is a place where someone is always wanting something FROM them.
Turn in your homework.
Stop talking.
Get busy.
Walk in a straight line.
Follow instructions.
Pay attention.
Don't forget.
All of the demands can really weigh heavily after a while. For some, I'm guessing school starts to feel like a huge burden. They don't see the relevance. They feel like teachers are constantly wanting more FROM them, and they may not feel adequate to meet the expectations.
But maybe students don't understand the why behind all the expectations and requests. Maybe they don't realize that the best teachers, most teachers in fact, don't really want something FROM students. They want good things FOR their students.
The expectations and demands are intended to help students succeed now and in the future. The demands aren't because teachers want to make things easier for themselves or want to make things harder for their students. Teachers are successful when students are successful.
So I think we should spend more time and effort showing students what it is we want FOR them. And maybe we should spend a little less time talking about what we want FROM them.
Of course, expectations are part of life. And if students are going to be successful, there will be accountability. But they should always be reminded that the accountability we provide is because we care. It's because we want good things FOR them.
Teachers who get the best FROM their students are the same teachers who show their students how much they care FOR them.
FOR them to be leaders.
FOR them to develop strong character.
FOR them to believe in themselves.
FOR them to never stop growing.
FOR them to be more excited about learning when they leave us than when they started.
FOR them to demonstrate empathy and concern for others.
FOR them to learn from their mistakes.
FOR them to make the world a better place.
FOR them to learn more about who they are.
FOR them to build on their unique strengths.
FOR them to have hope.
FOR them to develop a great attitude.
FOR them to be adaptable to change.
FOR them to reach their potential.
FOR them to realize their dreams.
FOR them to feel like they belong.
FOR them to have healthy relationships.
FOR them to never give up.
FOR them to be curious, creative, and compassionate.
Question: How can we help students see school as a place that wants good things FOR them and not just FROM them? I want to hear from you. Leave a message below or respond on Facebook or Twitter.
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