It is with no doubt that it takes a village to raise a child. Offering a child a supportive and nurturing environment is one of the biggest tasks teachers are faced with on a day-to-day basis. It is proven that happier children produce better results within the classroom. So, how can teachers encourage this safe and inclusive environment so that their students reap the benefits?
The idea of inclusiveness sounds like it should be a given, but nonetheless, it is always a good idea to check in from time to time to see if the bases are being covered.
Here are three tips and tricks to help teachers promote inclusiveness within the classroom.
Build relationships:
Children are their own little humans that have different needs, wants and understandings of how certain things work. Being seen and heard by a teacher can make a lifelong impact on how someone integrates into adolescent years, as well as adult years. Taking note of personal hobbies and interests can be a big bridge for student-teacher relationships. It is a gateway to developing relatability. One of the cornerstones to overall rapport.
Encourage interaction:
Friendships in the classroom make happier children. Which, as discussed previously, results in a higher performance from students. Including games that are interactive with other students, or changing seating plans is an easy and productive way to eliminating isolation.
Celebrate diversity:
The word “diversity” has made it a long way over the years and is encouraged with ferocity within classrooms. However, it is important to check whether materials to make sure they celebrate all persons. For instance, do they depict children of different backgrounds and abilities? Also, do they encourage diverse employment, living circumstances and personal choices?
These are just some of the ways that teachers can encourage diversity and inclusion within the classroom. There are so many pressures and demands on teachers that it is hard to tick all the boxes. However, integrating these tools into everyday practice will soon enough see them become second nature.