Waking to the Alarm
The last three years of teaching, I have been repeating directions to each student individually although I had just given the instructions/directions to the general class. "Listening the First Time" classroom expectation doesn't happen.
The first year, my response was in yelling and frustration. The following two years, I changed my expectations by changing myself through study of Autism Syndrome Disorder and related learning disabilities. This new challenge has me soften my classroom rules and use my energy to find intuitive solutions that work for everyone. So now, if the "listening the first time" isn't what the student does, I am patient to repeat myself to that individual who is stuck.
The many educators I have conferenced with have experienced the same educational frustration.
My question is "why are students shutting down from auditory listening?"
Some possible conclusions:
1) three years ago, our nation descended rapidly from an affluent to a struggling nation. My school area, according to the All State Insurance Agent - the major hazard insurer for this area - has crossed over the line to "depression" economically. It could be that the students are reacting to the shut-down at home due to excess stress for basic survival.
2) the predominance of the TV and computer videos as babysitter
3) children do not have enrichment programs with their parents. Parents may drop them off and do chores but children need their caretaker to provide them a safe boundary and personal esteem building.
The listening skills in the children have "gone to sleep". Perhaps to block their pain, parts of their brain goes on "sleep mode".
Waking the children gently by individualized short instructions is working. But it is alarming to witness this trend.
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