Teaching has never been about lessons or completing the syllabus. It’s always about shaping the children, making them ready to face the world.
It’s your small, everyday choices that make the biggest difference.
Over the years in the classroom, what’s I learnt was that children remember how you made them feel, not what you taught them. And that’s where they learn about trust and confidence.
These are practical ways teachers can build a deeper and meaningful relation with the children. I thought of sharing some that stayed with me.
1. Be Consistent in Words and Actions
“You always promise but don’t take us to the park.” That one sentence is enough to tell you how much the kids trust you.
Believe me when I tell you that children notice everything. They observe the patterns better than you do. And when you deviate from the set pattern frequently, they know better than to believe you the next time you say something.
No hollow promises. No frivolous commitments. They deserve your honest word.
2. Acknowledge Effort, Not Just Results
It was clear to all that he was struggling with numbers. After years of teaching my own child, I knew what he was going through. So we changed his learning style.
Every time he got a problem right by himself, I’d give him a star or announce it in the class. Praising and acknowledging his hard work did wonders to his confidence.
From getting a ‘D’ he moved to a ‘B+’ by the end of the academic year.
And when he walked up to me and promised that he’d get an ‘A+’ next term told me a lot more about the person he had become – confident, self-assured, resilient and persistent.
3. Create a Safe Space for Mistakes
I walked into the classroom with the science textbook, all set for the class until the kids pointed out that it was English.
Not wanting to waste time going back to get the correct textbook, I promptly apologised to them about the mistake, promised to be careful the next time, and asked if we could do science instead.
Everyone settled down after the initial excitement and joking about my slip-up, and forgiving me for my carelessness. That’s when one small voice asked me, “How can you make a mistake? You’re big (meant grown up)”
That’s the belief they grow up with; that grown-ups don’t make mistakes, only kids do.
By making mistakes become normal, and becoming a part of their learning experience, you build confidence in them to take risks and not fear embarrassment.
4. Listen Actively and Patiently
I found this was the most difficult task in the classroom. If you speak with one of them, the rest will also clamour for attention. They’ve so much to share with you, or anyone willing to hear them out.
So I would walk around the classroom when they were busy with some assignment and engage randomly with a few of them.
Just talking to them, listening to their ideas, asking them questions, was all that they wanted. Because most of the time they’re dismissed or interrupted when speaking. Their voices go unheard.
Show them they matter.
5. Avoid Public Criticism
It’s a natural reaction to correct the child in front of others. It’s acceptable in some situations, but not all, as it can impact their confidence and trust.
Especially when it’s something to do with behaviour, it’s always better to speak to them privately. It allows them to be more open to your suggestions or advice.
It’s a constructive way to handle things as the child feels supported and understood rather than judged.
Criticise in private but praise in public. Always works.
6. Give Responsibilities
Responsibilities signal trust. I’d often ask for volunteers to help me with some regular tasks, like distributing the books, or minding the line as they walked to the library or playground.
The tasks may sound silly but it was a big thing for them. They felt grown up when given a responsibility. Built a habit of accountability, made them feel more confident about themselves, as they felt more capable.
They knew I trusted them. And that changes how they look at themselves.
7. Model Respectful Behaviour
Like I always say, children are the keenest observers. They notice everything. To ensure they learnt respectful behaviour, it’s essential to do the same with them.
If you want the children to learn to be polite, speak respectfully, be patient, or handle situations calmly, then you’ve to show them how to do it by practising these behaviours yourself.
Quietly set the standards for how they treat others and themselves with your actions.
8. Provide Constructive, Specific Feedback
Children haven’t yet learned to beat around the bush. So don’t do it. Give it to them clearly and specifically.
When you give vague or generic praise or criticism, it’s not helpful. When you’re specific, they understand better what was acceptable and where they can improve.
During parent-teacher interactions, I’d often prompt the kids to tell their parents about their achievements or mistakes. This allowed them a chance to review their action and talk about it. And it gave me the chance to be specific in my feedback instead of meandering.
Still Lots More To Do
These are not enough. Just some random things that came to my mind as I was going through some old photographs (some parent shared these pics from years ago).
Yet these are small, consistent actions which changed the vibe in my classroom every time. Children felt safe, valued, and capable.
Somewhere it laid the foundation for both trust and confidence. And that was the objective, isn’t it? Once the foundations are strong, the tree grows strong.
