'The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice': Practices of Kindness in the Classroom
Lessons from My Journey as an Educator
“Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.” — In this quote Gautham Buddha emphasizes that kindness should be an inherent part of our daily interactions.
As an educator, I’ve learned that kindness isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a transformative force that can significantly enhance the learning environment and impact students' lives. From my own experiences, I’ve seen how cultivating kindness in the classroom can lead to more engaged students, a positive classroom atmosphere, and lasting changes in students’ attitudes and behaviors. Here’s how kindness has shaped my teaching journey and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.
There were many situations in my childhood & adulthood where I expected my close relationships to show some kindness. Gradually I reached to a point where being a giver is more important than a being a receiver. As this saying reminds us “If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.”
The Power of Kindness in daily life
One of the first things I noticed in my teaching career was that students who felt valued and respected were more engaged and enthusiastic about their learning. By holding kindness into my teaching approach, I was able to create an environment where students felt safe and encouraged. For example, starting each class with a positive affirmation or a moment of gratitude helped set a constructive tone for the day. This practice not only improved students’ morale but also increased their willingness to participate and take intellectual risks.
Teaching is not without its challenges, and dealing with behavioral issues or personal struggles among students can be particularly difficult phase. I faced a significant challenge one year when classroom behavior became disruptive. Instead of resorting to traditional disciplinary measures, I chose to address the issues with empathy and understanding. By taking the time to understand the root causes of students' behaviors—whether it was personal stress, learning difficulties, or social issues—I was able to offer targeted support. This compassionate approach helped improve classroom dynamics and reflected a more positive and supportive environment.
“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” — The practice of kindness and compassion begins with mastering one’s own mind.
Modeling Kindness for Students
Students often learn by observing the behavior of adults around them. By consistently demonstrating kindness in my interactions with students, colleagues, and parents, I set a standard for how to treat others. For instance, I made a point to be patient and supportive, even when facing challenging situations. This modeling of compassionate behavior not only enhanced the classroom atmosphere but also encouraged students to emulate these values in their own interactions.
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Based on my experiences, here are some effective strategies for integrating kindness into your teaching practice:
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” — This quote of Gautham Buddha underscores the importance of love and gentleness in our lives, which are expressions of kindness.
My journey as an educator has shown me the profound impact that kindness can have on both the classroom environment and students' personal development. By prioritizing kindness, I’ve seen improvements in student engagement, better handling of challenges, and the encouraging a supportive and inclusive learning community. I encourage others to hold kindness in their teaching practices and experience firsthand the positive changes it can bring to their classrooms and beyond.
Happy Living!
-BJV