The Troubling Scene:
In the classroom, Sophie’s teacher insisted that she trace the letters in the notebook, despite her resistance. The teacher’s demand for compliance escalated as Sophie expressed her desire to get a book instead. The more Sophie resisted, the more agitated the teacher became, eventually forcing her to pick up the pencil and write. As the tension mounted, Sophie grew increasingly distressed, crying and pushing the notebook away. Another teacher intervened, advising the first to stand firm, emphasizing that Sophie must learn to listen and obey before she could leave the task.
The Shocking Reality:
This incident exposed a disturbing reality – an approach to education that prioritizes strict compliance, regardless of a child’s emotional state. The teachers seemed more concerned about the outcome, the letters being traced, than the well-being of the child. It made me question whether we truly believe this to be an effective way for children to learn. The truth is, we often subject young children to situations we would never impose on adults.
Understanding Co-Regulation:
In times of stress or emotional upheaval, co-regulation plays a crucial role in helping children feel safe and ready to learn. Co-regulation involves adults recognizing and empathizing with a child’s emotions and offering support to help them manage those feelings effectively. Had the teachers been familiar with co-regulation strategies, the situation could have been handled differently. Instead of repeating demands, they could have acknowledged Sophie’s struggle and asked, “I can see this is hard for you, what can we do to help?” This simple shift in approach could have diffused the tension and created a more positive learning environment.
Empowering Educators through Coaching:
The incident with Sophie underscores the importance of empowering educators with effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors and promoting learning. Coaching programs designed for entire teaching teams can prove immensely valuable. By understanding the three brain states – survival, emotional, and learning brain – teachers can learn to prioritize creating a safe and loving environment for their students.
