Thursday, April 14, 2011

Student Challenges

"Every day, everywhere, our children spread their dreams beneath our feet; and we should tread softly"  - Ken Robinson


Students present challenges.  They come to school with diverse learning styles, family situations, interests, strengths, and challenges.

The goal is to create a program that responds to their collective and individual needs.  Careful, thoughtful planning helps an educator create a strong program, but even with that planning, challenges exist.

Educators want the best for each and every student.  We want children to feel comfortable and at-home in their learning spaces.  We want to facilitate students' learning related to the curriculum, standards, and life-long learning.  At times, challenges exist -- challenges that require greater thought, innovation, and care.

It's important to enlist the help of family members and staff when a student is presenting a challenge.  It's important to step back and survey what's working, and what's not. Together, educators and family members should evaluate, organize and implement those goals.

Children will always present challenges.  It's our job as educators to establish a relationship with each of our students.  It's also our job to plan an optimal schedule for those students -- a schedule that promotes scholarship and respect for all.

And as the quote above suggests, ". . .we should tread softly."