So in between designing feedback-on-learning exercises with my kids, and posing craftily phrased questions to elicit the truth when I investigate wrong-doings in class, I thought it would be really nice to build an atmosphere where the children were more open to sharing their thoughts with me. Sharing anything they wished I knew. I chanced upon a Facebook post a few weeks ago where a teacher asked his students to write down one thing they wished he knew. He got back some really good responses, and in the process, managed to get to know his students a lot better.
I did this exercise with my Grade 4s. I highly recommend doing this with your students. Parents can even do this with their children. I think, as adults, we sometimes think that children think the way we do, and because they seem so happy and carefree, the only things that are on their mind are immediate self-gratification/food/ice-cream/toys. Here are a few responses I got that really touched me.
1. "I am short..."
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You know when teachers have certain routines in class like lining up? We do it because it's neat and orderly. But where these kids stand in the line also has implications to them, and sometimes always being in the front because you're small just makes you feel that much more exposed and insecure. I never knew this student felt that way, and now I understand why she's always running back to the line. Also, it's amazing that she's so kind-hearted.2. "Help my friend..." |
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I teach a really competitive class. Sometimes I am appalled when I see how the rat race already starts from such a young age. So I was pleasantly surprised when I received this note from my student whom I assigned to be a buddy to a new child who joined my class. This new student is from a different country and he's having trouble keeping up. I give him extra help but he's always smiling and seems to participate enthusiastically in class, so I had no idea that he felt that way.3. Just generally pouring out secrets... |
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| I had no idea that this kid felt this way. I didn't know she was a middle-child, and wants more attention. This student obviously cares a lot for her parents, and probably doesn't know how to express it to them. Also, it's interesting to watch your students approach adolescence and explore relationships. |
4. Family issues...
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| This student is one of the quieter ones in my class. It must be hard trying to lead a normal life and understanding family commitments and parents' limitations. |
5. Looking out for his brother...
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| This is my favourite. When I received it, I nearly cried in class. So a set of triplets got transferred to my school from a different country. Two of them ended up in the same class, while another one ended up alone in another class. The oldest brother out of the three wrote this about the one who ended up alone in another class. |
6. Being noticed
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| When you're constantly surrounded by children who want your attention, it's easy sometimes to miss out the quieter ones. I know I'm guilty of that and I'm going to make sure I never do that again. This student tries so hard! |
So for teachers/parents who want to carry this out, just a few things to bear in mind:
1. Leave this an open exercise, though you might want to give a few examples of what they would like to think of. E.g. a secret you want to share, something that is bothering you, something you wish your teacher could do in class etc.
2. Tell them that you will not judge them on their responses and this is an exercise to help you get to know them better.
3. Give the children ample space and time to think about what they want to write.
4. When you get responses that need a follow-up, make sure you do that. A child knowing that you're there to provide a listening ear will feel so much better, even if there isn't anything you can do for him/her.
5. When the students feel more comfortable, and to build a caring environment in the class, you could ask them if they would like their responses to be shared and discussed. I find this helps a lot for children who feel bullied/picked on.
