Empathy In Classroom

Empathy could be the most important attribute a teacher can have when advocating for social development in a classroom full of students. In order for children to feel safe and secure in a space other than home, they need to feel that someone cares for them and is attentive to their needs. Teachers need to have the ability to tailor instruction to meet all skill levels and this can build a trusting relationship between student and teacher. This essay will describe the stages of social development, the teacher’s role in social development and list a few ideas of how to promote positive sense of self in the classroom. There are eight stages of social development, according to the psychosocial development expert, Erik Erikson. Mr. Erikson said, …show more content…
A teacher who listens to others and treats other’s things and feelings with care should be key (Patten et al, 2000). Taking into account the student’s perspective, culture, developmental ability, and learning style is a good way to develop trust and understanding within the classroom (Boulton-Lewis, Brownlee, Walker, Cobb-Moore, & Johanssen, 2011). Students feel valued when they are a part of a safe and positive environment and feeds their own positive beliefs and feelings about themselves (Meece & Soderman, …show more content…
Children learn from example and being a positive, caring, and honest support in their lives needs to come from us as teachers. From personal experience, students should know a teacher’s values and basic ground rules to receive respect from the class. The teacher’s role is an extension of their parents and building a relationship centered around the child’s interests and culture will support a positive relationship. Teachers that remember the stages of social development, the role they play in that development, and how to encourage good sense of self when teaching our youth will be successful in reaching each child. Kindness and empathy are good attributes to always practice, especially in the