Teachable Moments
Saturday, December 10, 2011
What You Can't See, Can Hurt You!
Southern California, particularly the San Gabriel Valley, experienced hurricane-like winds recently. The results were devastating-Phone lines down, electricity interrupted, fallen tree branches, destroyed property, including houses and cars. Telephone poles and hundred-year-old trees snapped like match sticks. Families were left without lights, hot water, groceries...the everyday "luxuries" that we just simply assume that we will enjoy on a daily basis.
The Teachable Moment for me is that there are students who come to school everyday. They have come with their uniforms/school clothes, backpacks, supplies and we educate them like everything is "hunky dory". Then...we realize that things we cannot see...like the hurricane winds...may have devastating outcomes!
Pay attention Teachers, Administrators, Parents, Social Workers, Counselors...and the like...The outcome of students' "unseen" challenges will rise to the top. Child Abuse, Loneliness, Depression, Bullying, Homelessness, Exhaustion, Addictions, Neglect, Hunger...will ultimately impact the success, well-being and achievement of our students.
Don't be so quick to berate, scold, embarrass, eject or suspend these students. They are in need of support, nurturing, love and resources to battle against their personal hurricanes!
What you can't see...can hurt you!
The Teachable Moment for me is that there are students who come to school everyday. They have come with their uniforms/school clothes, backpacks, supplies and we educate them like everything is "hunky dory". Then...we realize that things we cannot see...like the hurricane winds...may have devastating outcomes!
Pay attention Teachers, Administrators, Parents, Social Workers, Counselors...and the like...The outcome of students' "unseen" challenges will rise to the top. Child Abuse, Loneliness, Depression, Bullying, Homelessness, Exhaustion, Addictions, Neglect, Hunger...will ultimately impact the success, well-being and achievement of our students.
Don't be so quick to berate, scold, embarrass, eject or suspend these students. They are in need of support, nurturing, love and resources to battle against their personal hurricanes!
What you can't see...can hurt you!