Importance of a 'Smiling Teacher'

One never runs out of quotes about the importance of smiling! Smiling is not only good for your own wellbeing, but also for those around you. And if life has been testing you with tough times, it never fails at compensating you, by offering  enough reasons to smile as well. Because there is nothing in the world more soothing and comforting than a real smile!

Today’s post is about understanding the importance of a ‘Smiling Teacher’. For children, their teacher is a bigger role model than even their own mothers, at times. And it is the prime duty of the teacher to never let them down. A stressed -out teacher will do more harm than good. So, if you are a teacher, it is important that you understand the value of your smile.

• ·      The minute the teacher enters the classroom, there is an aura that she brings along with her/him. What should it ideally be? If one behaves too strict and difficult, it creates a sort of terrorizing feeling for the children. Instead, they need a smiling face to enter the class, who will instantly lighten up the whole classroom and positively influence every child to participate in the proceedings of the class.
• ·      They feel a sense of security when they see their teacher smile. This is the one person they can confide in about all their issues, without being afraid. And mind you, children also have their share of issues and they need someone to listen to them. Your smile welcomes them to trust you.
• ·      They feel a sense of freedom as well – freedom to participate and freedom to question in class. When there is no fear of the teacher, they are encouraged to speak up more. And it is very important for their better learning, that their inquisitive mind is never unnecessarily discouraged.
• ·      Smiles elevates their mood. Maybe they have had a fall in the morning, or a bad score, or a fight with their best friend or anything else that has ruined their mood. Then, your smile, your class, YOU – can help them get over it and smile again. And a sulking child will never learn even half as much as a happy child will!
• ·      Not just the child’s mood, but your constantly smiling face, will unconsciously help you also feel better! You will also forget all your personal problems and merrily get involved with the class.

Coming to English E.Teach and why we have such a general topic in our ‘Resources for Teachers’ section –

We started this program - English E.Teach with the sole intention of helping the children from the vernacular medium schools learn English language (almost) at par with their counterparts elsewhere, so that tomorrow when they set out in the world, they also have decent job or career opportunities. Now knowing that we are mainly dealing with under-privileged children, we need to understand that we don’t really know what kind of atmosphere they have back at home. Whether it is conducive for their overall mental and emotional development – we don’t know. So, it is better that we assume that school is the only place where they are going to blossom to their full potential. And hence, it becomes our duty to provide them with an atmosphere which aids them in their overall development. When will English language skills help them? Only when their minds will be sound enough to function in a crisis and otherwise!

So, this is our humble reminder to all our teachers – Smile!! Because your one smile has the power to change their entire world!!