When Students Need Emotional Support: Dos and Don’ts

Teachers are supposed to be equipped with necessary skills to handle with emotional support needs. They should closely with their students so that they can notice quickly when there is any behavioral changes in any of their students. A student with emotional support needs can turn out to be a nuisance to both their teachers and colleagues in class. They often don’t follow class rules which mostly expose them to conflicts with their colleagues. If they are not handled tactfully, they withdraw from others which will adversely affect their learning in class. As a teacher, when you encounter such a case, there are dos and don’ts that you should stick to, to help the student.  These are:

Dos

Talk to the student – meet the student when they are calm before or after classes and discuss with them the goals of the class and how important their contribution is to the achievement of the goals. Let them know that you are a fair teacher in that you cannot punish them for mistakes that are beyond their control. Telling all this openly and early will make the student feel that you are aware that they are important members of your class and will avert any feeling of being targeted in future, in case of any problems.

Build a good relationship in good days – In any situation, there are ups and downs. Choose time when the student is willing to talk and share frankly and try to find out their likes, dislikes and hobbies. Tell them things you share. This will make them feel close to you and build trust in you. This will have helped you to know how to help them when they are troubled in future.

Stay “cool” – When dealing with a student in need of emotional support you should always be aware that your patience will one day be put to test. You may set rules for the class and expect the students to fall inline only to find them acting to the contrary. They may disobey either willingly or unwillingly. You need to remain calm and reassure yourself that you are ready to help the troubled student as a professional.

Have a backup plan – Even well laid strategies sometimes fail.  In such a case, as a teacher you need to have option B on how to handle a student with emotional support need when their extreme behaviors are exhibited. Don’t be clueless; know how to call for help or how to cool down the student.

Don’ts

Don’t be too lenient – As a teacher you are required to ensure that all students uphold the general rules of the class. However, you may be forced to overlook some mistakes made by a student who needs emotional support because their behavior plan says that you should.

Don’t be swept off your feet easily – students with emotional support needs may defy your instructions when you expect them to be at their best or at places when you least expect them. Don’t be alarmed; stay composed and focused. They may be acting to test you whether you will stand by them as you promised.

Don’t hesitate to call for help – if you follow the behavior plan for sometime and notice that the student isn’t improving or you are fear about your security, security of other students or security of the victim students, call for help immediately.

Teachers should try to understand the causes of the behavior of the students with emotional support needs and be firm but friendly when dealing with such students so that they can feel that they are part of the success of the class.

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