Critical Moments

There is nothing like the first day of school. Each student enters with new books, new clothes, new teachers and a new start. Along with the clean first page of the notebook is an attitude of the potential for success. Human beings want to succeed, they want to accomplish and overcome obstacles. That is in part what makes computer games so appealing…simply overcoming the challenge. Being successful in school means more than just overcoming a challenge, it means approval from significant adults in a child’s life and usually social stature. In many children’s’ minds success in school translates to success in life.

So when the child walks in the first day he is hopeful and ready to accomplish and be successful. Maintaining this attitude can be one of the most critical objectives for teachers. As long a child believes he or she can be successful they will be willing to work and try. The second they feel they cannot succeed there is no point in trying. Trying will just make the failure more painful.

One critical element in the child staying “in the game” is academic success. Children who have not succeeded in previous years will be used to starting the year fresh and then dropping off. It can be the first homework that they do not hand in, it can be the first quiz they fail and for some it can even be the first line of notes they miss.

It is essential for the teacher to keep an eye out for this moment. If missed, the child will descend the well worn path to school apathy. If the teacher is able to keep the child from that breaking point the student will remain hopeful and willing to try for one more page of notes, homework assignment or quiz.

There are a number of things a teacher can do the help the child overcome these critical moments. One component is the level of difficulty of the work. The difficulty level must be slowly raised so the child is not overwhelmed academically. As the level is raised each stage must be celebrated for the significant accomplishment it is. In a larger class this can be a challenge but there are ways of differentiating that can be done with a bit of creativity. An easy example is announcing to the class that if you feel the expectations for a quiz is too high they can speak to you and you will allow them to only be responsible for part of the material. In the past eight years of teaching I have not experienced a child who has abused this opportunity.

The teacher must also keep careful watch of the students when assignments are announced. When looking at the body language, facial expressions, and even verbal reaction of the children one can often gage how the students feels about the assignment. These moments are critical because at these points a child with a history of failure will give up. If the teacher can become aware of what is going on in the mind of the child, he can stop this negative cycle. A small compassionate conference after class can make the difference for an entire year.

The first day of school is a gift of renewal. A good teacher will not squander the opportunity it brings for every child.