” The world outside the classroom may often be one of chaos, unkindness, and uncertainty, but when students walk through the door of your classroom let them feel comfortable, accepted, and welcome.” – Susan Turnipseed
The learners you meet in your classroom come from diverse backgrounds. While it is common to expect that they are all children according to their age, this is not always the case. Some are heads of their families, taking on responsibilities far beyond their age. They do not have time to enjoy their childhood. For instance, you might find that one of your learners as young as they are, has a responsibility to ensure that their siblings are well taken care of and to do all house chores. They might also have to care for parents who are sick or addicted to substances.
In many cases, your classroom or the school is the only place where these learners can laugh, enjoy, and be themselves. When they are at school, they feel a sense of belonging and can experience being children again, away from all their responsibilities. It is therefore essential that you create a safe environment for all your learners, regardless of what they are battling with. Ensure that they feel loved, cared for and are given attention. This will not only benefit them academically but also holistically, as they will know that someone is watching and wants them to succeed.
Tips for creating a safe space:
- Establish classroom rules
- Be their pillar of strength
- Build strong relationships
- Avoid trauma triggers
- Award learner achievement
- Modify teaching and learning methods
- Establish a peer support system
Remember these learners’ well-being and success are dependent on your support, because ‘kgosi ke kgosi ka malata’ (motho ke motho ka batho/a person is a person through other persons/ ‘n persoon is ‘n persoon deur ander persone/ umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu).
Reference list:
Turnipseed, S. (2011). Create a safe place. In: Letters to a New School Teacher: Advice from America’s Best Educators, J. Devlin (ed.).
By Tebogo Bopalamo
ECE Lecturer
