Category: News

Anyone who has tried to start a campfire knows it doesn’t just happen. Ask any Scout, and they’ll tell you that there are a few things you need: heat, fuel, and oxygen. For the campfire novices, this means that you’ll need your kindling for the fire (logs, newspaper, or the paper plate from your hot dog dinner), some air (that’s the easy part), and a spark. The spark, or heat source, interacts with what is already there, using it as fuel to ignite and grow into a flame, and then into a roaring blaze.

Helping a child discover his or her passion is like starting that campfire (though it will probably take more time and consideration). Start by looking for ways to provide them with fuel–experiences, opportunities, and conversations to lay a foundation for their interests to develop. Then, ignite the spark by allowing them to try various activities and hobbies until they find one that interests them. Finally, fan the spark of passion by encouraging them, and helping them to know when it’s time to try something else and when to stick it out.

If you want to help your child catch the spark and discover their passion, check out these ten tips from our Georgia elementary school teachers:

1. Give them diverse opportunities.

Your heart might be set on your son becoming the next Babe Ruth or your daughter the next Taylor Swift, but it’s essential to give them a wide range of experiences and activities and allow them to naturally gravitate where they will. Try sports. Try instruments. Try art. Try dance. Travel as a family. Attend shows, concerts, and sports games. Pay attention to what piques your child’s interest and go from there.

2. Encourage their natural talents.

As your children grow and develop, you’ll notice that there may be some things they just have a knack for. Ask your child’s teacher about areas in the classroom where they’ve noticed your child doing well. Does your son excel in math? He might enjoy a computer coding class. Does your daughter adore art? Head to the local craft store and let her peruse the shelves.

3. Don’t force it.

Maybe you dreamed of making it to Broadway. Then life happened, and Broadway…didn’t. As tempting as it is, try not to let this drive you to push your child into becoming the next Kristin Chenoweth so you can live vicariously through her. Let your dreams be your dreams. Part of what makes parenting so fun is that your child may end up with wildly different passions from your own. And while the apple may not fall far from the tree in some ways, try to allow your child to discover what they are really passionate about without feeling the need to do something that may not be for them just to please you.

4. Challenge them.

While it’s important not to force your child to do something they adamantly believe isn’t for them, it’s okay to challenge them to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. If they’re working toward that next karate belt but feel a little disheartened about the amount of work and effort required, challenge them to push a little harder and remind them of the joy of reaching that goal.

5. Read to them.

Reading to your child is a great way to open their minds to endless possibilities. Through books and stories, children may discover something they otherwise never would have considered or had an interest in.

The same can go for movies as well. Watching movies together as a family can help you understand where your child’s interests lie and what sort of things light that spark.

6. Go to church.

Many people find their passions through attending and serving at church. Churches provide unique opportunities for people of all ages to use their talents and interests in an others-focused manner. This is a great way to teach children the value of using their gifts to bless and serve others.

7. Share your passions.

Yes, you don’t want to force your dreams upon your children. But that doesn’t mean you can’t share them! Children should see their parents pursuing their own passions. They’ll begin to model this behavior, even if they seek something different. Talk with your children about the things you love, why you enjoy them, and the work you had to put in to improve on those interests. The best way to teach is always to model.

8. Introduce them to mentors.

Look for trusted adults around you whose passions may resemble your child’s interests. Then ask if your child can watch the adult mentor in action, allowing them to ask questions and learn from someone with experience. Seeing the potential that they could reach will enable children to weigh their options with better clarity and understanding.

9. Try something non-traditional.

You don’t have to sign your child up for piano, ballet, or soccer if they aren’t interested. Everyone else might do it, but it’s okay to think outside the box. So go ahead, sign her up for that summer underwater basket weaving class. Let him try out Grandpa’s old mandolin that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. Maybe it will take, maybe it won’t, but you never know what it could lead to.

10. Just ask.

It seems so simple, but it deserves a mention. If you want to know what your child’s interests are, ask. If you want to know what hobby they’d like to try, ask. This doesn’t necessarily mean chasing every whim of the week, but it will give you a good idea of where their interests lie and encourage conversations that will help them nurture and develop their passions even more.

It’s never too early or too late to start helping your child discover their passion. Intentionality will go a long way in uncovering the interests that make your child who they are. Exposing children to diverse experiences and paying close attention to the things that excite them will help you better understand how to encourage and challenge them as they develop this essential part of who they are.

When you think of physical education, you might picture gym shorts, fitness exams, and the dreaded mile run. But according to our Atlanta elementary and middle school P.E. teachers, there is so much more to it than those things, and its benefits extend far beyond those of simply being physically ‘fit.’ When children participate in physical education at school, the effects reach every area of their lives, encouraging physical, emotional, and social development.

The CDC recommends “that children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.” In a world where children are prone to spending hours each day in front of a screen (an average of 7.5 hours daily, according to the CDC), it is more important than ever to help children develop healthy habits and an appreciation for physical activity and its many rewards and benefits.

Health

First and foremost, physical education encourages healthy body weight, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, bone density and cardiovascular stamina. Through P.E. classes, children also learn about healthy habits such as rest and nutrition. In addition, physically active children are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and other issues related to cholesterol and blood pressure.

P.E. is also a great way to get kids out of the classroom and into the sunshine when the weather permits. Many children who spend more time playing outside develop better eyesight and increased mental and physical health due to bright light exposure.

Lastly, children who are regularly active as they grow up are more likely to become physically active adults. This, in turn, becomes a tool that can combat obesity, chronic illness, and even mental illness long into adulthood. Therefore, children must learn not simply the elements of physical education but the value of keeping these habits long after graduation.

Motor Skills

The skills practiced in physical education are also essential tools for developing and improving motor skills such as balance, coordination, and agility. According to a 2020 National Library of Medicine study, physical education is “an important context for developing a broad range of motor skills.” These skills fall into three categories:

• Locomotor: any action that moves the body from one place to another, such as walking, running, jumping, and skipping.
• Non-locomotor: action performed in one place, such as bending, twisting, stretching, pushing, pulling, flexing, raising, and lifting.
• Manipulative: action involving another object. These actions include throwing, kicking, catching, dribbling, striking, and punting.

Physical education is essential to developing these crucial skills, which comprise the building blocks not only for sports but for everyday activities as well.

Social Skills and Character Development

Along with the physical benefits of P.E., it is also an excellent way for children to learn crucial life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and discovering the value of delayed gratification.

A recent Sage Journal Publication studied the correlation between physical education and social skills with widely positive results. One aspect of the study found that students participating in physical education showed an increased ability to practice self-control and displayed increased coping skills, resilience, and time management.

Through sports and group activities, children learn to work together toward a common goal, recognize their strengths and areas for improvement, and learn to recognize and value the strengths of their peers as well. They also learn to handle both the pride of winning and the disappointment of losing. Yes, even if that means crying it out on the soccer field.

Mental Health

When children see personal improvement in their motor skills and fitness, their feelings of competency soar. This, in turn, helps children to become more motivated, driven, and optimistic toward physical activity. Physically active children also show improved brain function and focus. Here they learn to regulate energy and emotions to succeed in the gym and in the academic classroom.

Additionally, regular physical activity has been known to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in children and adults, boosting mood and self-esteem. Instilling these habits early on will better prepare children to become mentally healthy adults. The Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education summarizes that “the promotion of more physical activity and quality physical education in the school setting is likely to result in psychosocially healthier children who are more likely to engage in physical activity as adults.”

When we look at the big picture of a child’s life, we see that a physically active lifestyle is essential to their overall well-being. It’s up to parents and teachers to instill these important values and habits in children as early as possible and allow them to see the importance of continuing them as they reach adulthood.

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Physical education (PE) is vital for holistic child development, building a foundation for a healthy body, and fostering essential motor and life skills. Outdoor activities enhance well-being. PE also boosts children’s mental health, enhancing focus and reducing stress. Instilling these habits early is key to lifelong well-being, with parents and teachers as health-promoting superheroes.

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From the moment they were born, your child has been honing and improving their socialization skills. Each conversation and interaction is processed and stored in your child’s mind, influencing their thoughts and communication.

Family relationships do a great job of modeling socialization techniques to children. Eventually, however, they’ll be ready for new lessons that must be learned outside the home and familiar circles. Parents can aid their children’s social development by being intentional about how they spend their time at home and away, and by allowing for regular and diverse opportunities for socialization.

Our Atlanta Kindergarten teachers see the vast and daily benefits to early socialization as they begin to play out in the classroom setting. By focusing on this crucial part of your child’s formative years, you can help your child develop many of the building blocks necessary to succeed in life. These building blocks include:

Communication

Through socialization, children learn and practice essential parts of speech, sentence structure, and voice inflection. They also learn how to use manners and participate in respectful, two-sided conversations. Additionally, they learn to listen, consider what others have to say, and discover ways to read expressions and body language.

Confidence

The more socialization a child receives, the more comfortable they will feel around unfamiliar people and in unfamiliar environments. Instead of stressing about what to say in social situations, well-socialized children can converse more comfortably. They learn to take things as they come and can cope better when things don’t go as planned or expected. Early socialization is crucial for growing little leaders who can bring others into a welcoming, encouraging environment.

Problem-solving and teamwork

Put a few children on a playground together, and before long, they’ll run into a problem that must be solved. This may come in the form of a disagreement regarding who will play the role of Spider-Man, or how they will defeat the imaginary Thanos. Whatever the conflict, encourage children to work together to find a solution. Here, children will learn to share ideas, compromise, take turns, and practice inclusiveness.

Emotion management and expression

Sometimes the ups and downs of social interaction will cause little ones to experience strong feelings. These may range from anger to excitement, jealousy to pride. After spending time in a social situation, encourage children to discuss their interactions and the feelings they experienced during them. Your child might be upset that another child didn’t want to share a coveted toy or that there wasn’t a place for them in a game that was being played. Talk to your child about how they could respectfully communicate their feelings in the future.

Healthy relationships

In addition to working together, children can learn other aspects of healthy relationships through early socialization. These values include sharing, putting others first, apologizing when an offense has been committed, practicing forgiveness and empathy, and learning to express interest in others.

Grow their imagination

Through play with others, children discover how their peers use their imagination in ways they may not have considered. Collaborative play allows children to develop storylines and put themselves into out-of-this-world characters, expanding the scope of their imagination.

Expanded vocabulary

Children soak up vocabulary like sponges, and you can take advantage of this natural learning skill by filling their vocabulary tanks with a diverse language repertoire. Studies have shown that parents who use less “baby talk” and opt for normal conversation around young children are more likely to see their children using advanced vocabulary at an early age. Instead of watering down your conversations with basic language, talk about the definitions of new words with your child as they come up.

Recognize and become familiar with other languages

When a child is introduced to new social environments, they may hear languages that are different from their own. When kids can learn to differentiate between languages from a young age, they’ll be better prepared to pick up a second language later on.

School preparation

Children can learn essential skills for thriving in a classroom environment long before walking through school doors. We see evidence of this through the young people in our private kindergarten here in Atlanta. Those who have had experiences with socialization before their first day of school are at a distinct advantage.

Early socialization can teach children to respect authority and ease separation anxiety in advance. This might be learned while playing at a friend’s house, with a babysitter, or by attending church Sunday school. Allowing your children to play under the supervision of other adults will equip them with the tools necessary to enter the classroom with confidence.

Future success

The building blocks formed through early socialization will lay the foundation for a future where your child can thrive and succeed. Be intentional. Even the most straight-forward, everyday conversation can be an opportunity to nurture and develop these fundamental skills.

By helping your child learn to communicate confidently, build healthy relationships, and grow their imaginations and vocabulary, you can prepare your child to navigate the classroom, the workplace, and beyond.

Perhaps you’ve marveled at your child’s ability to quickly memorize a poem for school, pick up a new skill, or spout a plethora of obscure facts about their favorite movie. You may have even found yourself thinking, “I could never do that!”.

It’s true, children are at an advantage when it comes to learning. A recent study in Current Biology found that, due to concentrated amounts of a brain messenger known as GABA, “children’s brains respond to training in a way that allows them to more quickly and efficiently stabilize new learning” (Cell Press).

Here at The Academy of Scholars, our teachers have found that one way to take advantage of this reality is to promote bilingualism in children. And, because it is the second most-used language in the world, Spanish has become a popular choice. The benefits of learning Spanish as a second language during formative years are many, and you can be sure that such learning will give your child an advantage in their education and beyond.

Teaching Spanish to Children…

Develops early language skills.

Children learn new words rapidly, often by simply hearing them in context and trying them out for themselves. They are wired to soak up language like a sponge to communicate with those around them. Studies have shown that younger children display a stronger ability to pronounce unfamiliar words and sounds and pick up on grammar rules. Teaching Spanish is a great way to hone these skills and expand their language repertoire.

Gives a better understanding of the English language.

When children learn English as a first language, it typically happens through everyday communication and listening to those around them. For this reason, many of the technicalities and the why behind the language’s makeup are skipped over. Learning Spanish in the classroom, along with the rules of Spanish grammar, allows children to look at the building blocks of spoken and written language, even their own.

Provides an academic advantage.

Studies have shown that learning a second language improves problem-solving, memory, multitasking, and critical thinking skills. It has also shown higher academic achievement and is often connected with delayed cognitive decline later in life.

Broadens a child’s relationships and interactions.

Spanish is the official language in 20 countries but can be found in many other countries. It is spoken by nearly 560 million people worldwide and by 13% of the United States population, though experts expect that number to grow to 30% by 2050.

These numbers make Spanish an increasingly valuable language, allowing children to better understand, communicate, and build relationships with their Spanish-speaking peers. It will also be useful should they ever travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Additionally, using someone’s native language shows consideration, respect, and a desire to connect.

Increases future chances of securing employment.

The demand for bilingual adults in the workplace is rapidly increasing, and this trend isn’t likely to change course. Nine of 10 employers hire bilingual employees, with Spanish being the most desired second language. Tech skills won’t be the only requirement when your children enter the workplace, so give them an advantage by encouraging fluency in Spanish.

Makes it easier to learn other Latin-based languages.

Spanish is a Latin-based language and therefore shares many rules and similarities with other languages such as French, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese. By using Spanish as a foundation, children can pick up additional languages much more easily. Similarities will also help with understanding other languages when traveling, opening the door to many travel opportunities.

Increases a child’s cultural awareness and appreciation.

Kids will love immersing themselves in Spanish culture as they develop a deeper understanding of the language and those who speak it. Parents can cultivate their child’s appreciation by introducing them to unique foods, holidays, and traditions from various Spanish-speaking countries. Take it further by planning a family vacation to one of these locations, and let your child be the translator!

Is practical due to the abundance of learning material available.

Because it is the most learned second language, the learning resources for Spanish are vast and diverse. From flashcards to online interactive videos, you’ll find a jackpot of tools that can be used to encourage your child’s learning and to make it fun!

Teaches better communication skills.

Finally, students who learn Spanish as a second language have shown higher scores in reading, writing, grammar, and even speaking and listening. Learning Spanish helps a child become a better communicator, one of the most important skills a child (and adult) can possess.

The benefits of learning Spanish early in a child’s education are vast and valuable to many parts of their life and future. This is why more parents are giving their children the gift of learning Spanish. One of the best ways you can help your child become fluent at an early age is by enrolling them in a public or private school here in Atlanta that teaches Spanish. Doing so will give your child the boost they need for a better education and a brighter future.

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Teaching Spanish to children enhances language skills and deepens cultural understanding. Fluent speakers benefit from improved problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking, boosting academic success and job prospects. Early fluency opens global opportunities, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures. Abundant practical tools make Spanish education enjoyable, prompting parents to enroll children for brighter futures.

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Our Atlanta Christian school teachers know that helping children build a firm foundation of faith is essential to navigating a world full of conflicting worldviews, distractions, and temptations. However, we believe that the study of the Bible is more than a subject taught in private school classrooms or at church on Sunday. It applies to everyday life. As such, it deserves a regular spot in a child’s daily routine.

What are the benefits of Bible study for children? That’s a long list. Frequent time spent in God’s word impacts every area of life, even for children.

Studying the Bible…

…builds a strong, biblical worldview.

Children are surrounded by a mass of voices each day, all loudly asserting a worldview of their own. Through saturation in God’s word, children can better discern which voices to listen to and which to be wary of. They learn to separate truth from lies, biblical wisdom from earthly deceit, and ultimately, good from evil.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” – Colossians 2:8, English Standard Version

…teaches wisdom for dealing with life issues.

The issues and challenges that a child will face during their formative years range from simple to incredibly complex. Whether they are dealing with playground disagreements or the untimely death of a loved one, the Bible is a wellspring of wisdom, encouragement, and advice for dealing with life’s ups and downs.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:17, English Standard Version

…teaches children who God is.

The Bible is a letter from God to his children. As with any letter you receive, knowing the author is crucial to understanding what is being communicated and what it means for the reader. Knowing God’s character, attributes, and promises helps children better understand what it is he wants to tell them through his word.

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4, English Standard Version

…teaches children who they are in Christ.

A quick look at our society reveals that people crave a defined identity. They grasp at titles, professions, preferences, and traits to define them. Yet, so many are left unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Believers know that they are not defined by worldly labels, but by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Knowing their identity in Christ can help children battle insecurities and cast off the labels that the world tries to place on them. Additionally, it can help them identify areas of wrong thinking and replace them with biblical affirmations.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17, English Standard Version

…teaches children how to think about others.

The Bible has plenty to say about how believers should view and treat others. The “Golden Rule” is one popular example that children can memorize, but many other passages also give excellent advice toward interpersonal relationships and conflict. They also remind us to view others as God does, to desire their salvation, and to put them first.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4, English Standard Version

…helps children refocus their priorities.

It can be difficult for a child to properly order his priorities in a world that focuses on achievements and material success. Through the study of God’s word, children are reminded to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:34, English Standard Version

…equips children to deal with anxiety.

Studies show that over 20% of children worldwide show symptoms of anxiety, a number that continues to grow. Parents and teachers can help children battle this overwhelming statistic by pointing them to the truth and hope of scripture, which calls believers to cast their anxieties on God, because he cares for them (1 Peter 5:7).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27, English Standard Version

…helps children recognize and fight against sin.

Children can learn from the example of Jesus and from the stories of many others in the Bible. Here they will discover how to put on the armor of God and battle against sin and temptation. The Bible is clear about the kinds of behaviors that should be avoided. By leading children back to scripture, parents and teachers can give them the “why” behind instruction and discipline and point them in the right direction.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version

…teaches exemplary behavior.

Not only does scripture teach children what not to do, but it also highlights behaviors and qualities to strive for. There is no better resource for building quality character than the Bible, which teaches key principles such as humility, forgiveness, and compassion.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

…shows children the way they should go.

The Bible is an essential tool for seeking guidance in tough decisions. It encourages believers not to “lean on [their] own understanding,” but to acknowledge the One who directs the paths of those who seek him.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

How to Encourage Children to Dive Deeper into God’s Word

Don’t treat Bible study like another subject to learn or a task on a daily to-do list. Rather, aim to nurture in children a desire for God’s word. The following ideas can help to foster a natural hunger for scripture:

• Set an example: Don’t simply tell children the importance of studying their Bibles; show them. For parents, this might mean allowing your child to witness their personal study time. For teachers, it could be modeled by looking first to scripture to help children solve the problems they encounter.
• Read together: Experiencing the joy of studying and discussing the Bible with family and classmates will invite children to open the Bible more frequently on their own.
• Explain the importance of reading the Bible: Discuss why believers should spend time studying the Bible.
• Ask questions: Help children unpack and understand what the text says by asking questions such as “what do you think this means?” or, “how can you live this out in your own life?”
• Encourage them to ask questions: The more children explore God’s word, the more questions they will have. Encourage questions that seek to know more about God and his will for them, and be honest when you may not know the answer.
• Pray that they will develop a hunger for God’s Word: Pray that God would reveal himself to children through his word and stir in their hearts a desire to know and glorify him.

God’s word is more than a textbook, it is the rich narrative of God’s love and mercy woven through each verse and story from Genesis to Revelation, and a guide for a Christ-centered life. God communicates to his children through scripture, so it is never too early to begin planting the seeds of a well-nourished spiritual life. As you seek to instill a hunger for God’s word in the children he has placed in your care, remember Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (English Standard Version).

Looking for a curriculum where the Bible and school come together to educate your child mentally and spiritually? Ask about our Christian private school near Atlanta.

You’ve probably seen the stereotypical movie classroom scene. Paper airplanes soar through the air, notes are passed back and forth, the student in the corner blows a giant bubble and ends up with sticky pink gum plastered to her face. Meanwhile, the teacher rambles on at the blackboard, unaware or unfazed by the complete lack of order and discipline in his classroom.

“Anyone? Anyone?”

Hollywood teachers could stand to learn a thing or two from those in the real world who understand that maintaining order and discipline in the classroom is essential to student success (and to the teacher’s sanity).

As our Atlanta private school teachers will tell you, classroom environment is everything, and there are ways to create an environment where students are engaged and learning thrives. Below, you’ll find 10 indicators that your child’s classroom is set up for learning success.

1. Clear Expectations and Boundaries

The most effective way to create an ordered classroom environment is to begin the school year by setting clear expectations and boundaries for behavior. The first day of school is the best time to do this, but it’s never too late to revisit, refocus, or reiterate these things.

Teachers should outline the expected behavior, giving specific examples. For instance, if punctuality is expected, students should know that tardiness will not be excused.

Students should also be aware of the kind of discipline they can expect if they break classroom rules. Will they receive a citation? A trip to the principal’s office?

Many teachers have found that point systems greatly incentivize good behavior. They may divide students into teams (and reshuffle these teams monthly). Points can be earned through good behavior and following directions but can be removed for the opposite. Students might think twice before doing something that will cost their whole team to lose a point. At the end of the month, the team with the most points receives a reward.

Techniques vary, but the outcome should be the same: a classroom where rules and consequences are clear.

2. Consistency Carries the Day

Once a teacher establishes expectations and boundaries, they need to stick to them. Disciplining a particular behavior one day and letting it slide the next will confuse students and cause them to test the waters to see if teachers will really follow through. Your child’s teacher should be consistently enforcing classroom rules to help students know exactly what is expected of them.

3. Classroom Routines

Studies show that students learn best when they have a consistent routine. While it’s normal to change a classroom schedule occasionally, this should be the exception, not the rule. When students’ days at school are well-structured, they can better prepare themselves to learn and succeed.

Has the teacher established a daily schedule? Are they sticking to it? Can your child tell you the normal sequence of things? Effective teachers make sure that students know what to expect of their day.

4. Expectations for Full Attention

Teachers should be in the habit of making sure they have their students’ complete attention before they start a lesson. If students know that the class will continue whether or not they are engaged, they’ll be more likely to check out. Many teachers have found that call-and-response methods work well to redirect attention.

5. Fair and Firm Discipline

Students should know that specific behaviors will receive specific consequences, which should be the same for all students. Those who have worked with children have probably heard the phrase “that’s not fair!” a thousand times. Students are very keen when it comes to remembering that one time when that one student got away with something or received a different consequence. Life is not 100% fair all the time, but your child’s classroom should be as fair as possible.

6. Mind and Body are Engaged

Teachers should draw on a variety of strategies, such as group work, hands-on activities, and outdoor learning. They may do a “language arts escape room” or have students act out the history lesson. Mixing some out-of-the-box methods into traditional instruction will keep students engaged and curious about what might come next.

7. Positive Reinforcement

It can be easy to overlook praiseworthy behavior and focus on the bad, but there should be ample praise when kids do the right thing. Does your child’s teacher take the time to highlight the good? Point systems and small rewards such as a “caught being good” sticker can go a long way in nurturing positive behavioral growth in the classroom.

8. Opportunities to Start Fresh

Redemption should be part of the classroom experience. Everyone makes mistakes, but there should be a way to turn things around. After your child makes a mistake and apologizes or makes it right, the teacher should let them know that they are forgiven, valued, and have a clean slate. Every child should know that tomorrow is a new day, and they have the power to make it a good one.

9. Strong Parent Communication

If behavior patterns are not improving, teachers should communicate with parents. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of the semester and having a teacher dump months’ worth of grievances on you for the first time.

Teachers should communicate concerns early and often, sharing multiple, specific examples of the problematic behavior. That way, you can help create consistency between school and home.

10. Enthusiasm ‘til the End

Whether it’s a teacher’s first year or 40th, teaching takes its toll. It’s easy to get into a rut of heightened stress, irritability, and impatience–none of which are good for fostering learning. While no teacher can be patient all of the time, the best teachers maintain passion for their craft no matter how long they’ve been teaching.

Your child deserves the best foundation possible for their learning, and you want the right teachers to help build that foundation.

Want to see great teaching at work? Make an appointment to visit our Atlanta, Georgia-area private elementary school, and see the teaching practices that set our school apart from the rest.

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Real-life teachers prioritize classroom discipline for student and teacher benefit, creating an essential environment for success. Key factors include clear rules, consistency, routines, full attention, fair discipline, engaging methods, positive reinforcement, second chances, parental communication, and teacher enthusiasm. A well-structured classroom is pivotal for student achievement.

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