Why would grit be the cure for student failure and not empathy?
Education is known for its acronyms and buzzwords, yet we need to challenge ourselves to not only understand the intent of this language but maintain balance in our approaches with students.
In her article, Gianna Cassetta stresses the importance of educating the social-emotional side and carefully considering our priorities. While a “secret sauce to success” is appealing, she urges us to examine whether we are implementing practices to achieve a desired set of data or to create kind, empathetic children.
“Of course, I want to teach children [to be] resilient in the face of struggle. But to me, it is every bit as important to help children understand that their contributions in the classroom, whether academic or social, matter, because children matter as people.”
What do you prioritize as you plan for students each week? If you are lucky, your school culture prioritizes the social-emotional side of learning as much as the academic side and supports your choice for balance. If not, ask yourself: Where can you shift practice and initiate change from right within your classroom?
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Gianna Cassetta is an experienced classroom teacher, school leader, and consultant. She is coauthor of the Heinemann titles Classroom Management Matters and No More Taking Away Recess and Other Problematic Discipline Practices.
Follow Gianna on Twitter @Gianna_Cassetta.
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