A Christmas shout out to teachers.
One of the inadequate tools that teachers are trying to work with is school behaviour policies.
Had a great discussion with a group of early help workers last week. We were talking about the policy of giving out behaviour points for children who haven’t got a pen. Without being curious about why they don’t what they need for the day. Are things at home so chaotic or difficult that there’s no headspace to remember a pen for school? Is that the reason? Does the child need help? Does the family need help?
But that’s not it for me. A forgotten pen is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to show empathy, kindness, and care. It’s an opportunity to build social capital. An opportunity to develop a collaborative relationship. It’s also an opportunity for a bit of positive role-modelling. The whole class are watching and paying attention. I remember the times my daughter came home and said “I love Mr So-and-so, or Mr So-and-so, this kid forgot his pen and he just lent him one and didn’t give him a demerit.” Being ‘that parent’ I’d then send an email letting senior leaders know what my daughter had said. As she moved up the school, she began to email these moments of kindness herself. She works in a school now and she aspires to be like those kind teachers.
And if we have to make everything about behaviour, children are much more likely to respect a teacher who shows a bit of kindness.
The power of lending a pen.