Читать книгу If You Don't Feed the Students, They Starve - Neila A. Connors - Страница 15

Compassion makes the world a better place. People who are compassionate do anything possible to help others; they are just kind. Compassionate teachers emphasize to students that their behavior can change the entire climate of the school. These students take pride in serving others, showing others that they truly care, teaching others how to be empathetic, recognizing others' gifts and talents, and understanding their feelings.

Teachers take the time to get to know their students and authentically listen, which will be addressed throughout because it is so important. As Mark Twain said, “If we were to speak more than listen, we would have been given two mouths instead of two ears.” Furthermore, they continually ask students for feedback. It is amazing how the smallest caring gesture can make a major difference and have a huge effect on the students.

Gene Bedley, director for the National Character Education Center in a session titled “Touch the Heart, Change the Student” through Rachel's Challenge (www.rachelschallenge.org), explains that in schools where adults model care and compassion as well as teaching it to students, success follows. We know that caring is a skill that can be learned, and people who care are surrounded by a contagious energy that is inviting to others. They are genuine; they go above and beyond.

“Caring is a skill. The beaver is very skilled at its craft. It knows exactly what to do to fix a dam. The last thing a beaver needs is someone on the bank shouting out dam instructions.”

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