The classroom is ripe with unpredictable possibilities. While ideally, teachers can envision their class to run smoothly, one cannot always expect everything to go according to plan. A class with kids can go well or go south, and sometimes, they’re triggered by uncontrollable factors.
It’s always a good idea to anticipate for such episodes to arise at some point, and think of possible ways to deal with it. As a teacher, it behooves you to be equipped physically, mentally, and emotionally when a child experiences a meltdown.
Here we look at some of the measures to consider when confronted with these difficult situations, with the end goal of diffusing a kid’s tantrums.
1.It pays that you’ve already talked about emotions to your students. Acquainting your students to the different emotions is crucial in their own self-awareness. Emotions such as sadness, happiness, thrill, anger and such allow your kids to recognize that feeling these emotions are natural.
2.Get to know your students. Knowing what they like and don’t like, their interests, the things that easily peeve them will give you leverage as a teacher in handling difficult situations in the future.
3.Observe your students’ behavior. As a teacher, you are also expected to pay attention to the nuances of your students. Take note of their idiosyncrasies. Write them down in your notes.
4.Be flexible and patient. These traits encompass all aspects of teaching, and harnessing these traits will help you handle situations better and with a degree of levelheadedness.
5.In the event of a tantrum, keep your cool. Losing your temper is an endgame you don’t want to find yourself in. If you’re teaching in a classroom, safety is your top priority. If you’re teaching online, you will most likely be assisted by the child’s parents. If not, be prepared with a battery of exercises or materials that will aid in de-escalating the kid’s temper.
6.Allow the kid some space to be by himself. This can usually be done in a live classroom. Go on with the class. As adults, we also like to be left alone when we’re confronted with our own spoiled mood. In online teaching, there’s nothing much you can do. If the class for the day is going south, you might consider ending the class and talk to the kid’s parent.
7.Your judgment call is much needed during this time, so know when the right time is to approach the kid. Speak in an assuring voice. Your tone is very crucial in facilitating a good talk. Recognize the elephant in the room in your most compassionate, understanding way.
8.As a teacher, we not only teach lessons but also encourage our kids to learn some important life skills. Encourage empathy. Grab this opportunity as a chance for everyone – including yourself – to learn an important lesson out of the experience.
9.Sometimes, talking it out too much can worsen the situation. Know when to speak and when to listen.
10.At the end of it, reflect on the incident and think of better ways to improve. Teaching is a constant, never-ending learning experience. Recognize possible areas for improvement.
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