Student Needs

All Students have needs, some more than others. If we as teachers can't connect with students emotionally we're not going to be very successful at teaching them. If students don't feel safe and secure in the classroom they're going to be more focused on their emotions than learning.  There are five needs learners seek for, which are:

1. Affirmation: I am accepted and acceptable here. I am safe here as I am. People listen to me here. People know how I'm doing, and it matters. My interests and perspectives are acknowledged and acted on. People believe in me here.
2. Contribution: I make a different in this place and in the work in this place.  I bring to this place abilities and perspective that are unique. I help others and the class as a whole succeed. I am connected to others through mutual work on common goals.
3. Power: What I learn is useful to me now. I make choices that contribute to my success. I understand how this place operates and what is expected of me. I know what quality looks like here and how to achieve it. There is dependable support here for my journey.
4. Purpose: I understand what we do here. I see significance in what we do here. What we learn reflects me and my world. The work we do makes a difference in the world. The work absorbs me.
5. Challenge: The work here complements my ability. The work stretches me. I work hard. I am accountable for my own growth and contribution to the growth of others. I often accomplish things here I didn't believe were possible

It’s so important to meet all of your students needs and make them feel safe and valued. It breaks my heart that for a lot of kids, school may be the only place that some or even all of these needs are met. We may never know what they’re facing outside of school so we need to help as much as possible in the classroom. 

My husband and I taught thirteen year-old's at church this week. It was on learning and education. Every one of them said they hated school and asked why they needed to learn certain things they were learning in science, math, and other subjects. They said they would never use it again and it wouldn't help them in life. I think it’s important to teach students what they’re learning is significant and the importance of it. We also need to make learning fun and enjoyable as much as possible.  I'm excited to try things in my classroom to help me all of the needs of students!