Student Needs

I guess sometimes we are all a little "needy." 

Sometimes I need to sing at the top of my lungs.

 I need to take my insulin daily.

 I need to start sleeping more.

 I need Netflix. 

I need my family and best friends. 

You get the idea right? Well, the truth is our students have needs too. 

As I am preparing to become a teacher, I want to make sure I am meeting those needs my students require. We've all heard about Maslow's hierarchy of needs I'm assuming. This proves that we have to meet certain needs in order to move on to higher levels. If you've forgotten about this hierarchy click here for a quick refresher course, from my friend, Wikipedia. 

According to our text there are 5 key needs that our students will expect from us (rather they realize they expect it or not). This fancy diagram I made myself (can I get a woot woot) shows these 5 needs. 

What exactly do these elements mean you may ask? Let me tell you.

1. Affirmation: I am accepted and acceptable here. I am safe here as I am. People listen to me here. People know how I'm doing, and it matters. My interests and perspectives are acknowledged and acted on. People believe in me here. 
2. Contribution: I make a difference in this place and in the work in this place. I bring to this place abilities and perspectives that are unique. I help others and the class as a whole succeed. I am connected to others through mutual work on common goals. 
3. Power: What I learn is useful to me now. I make choices that contribute to my success. I understand how this place operates and what is expected of me. I know what quality looks like here and how to achieve it. There is dependable support here for my journey.
4. Purpose: I understand what we do here. I see significance in what we do here. What we learn reflects me and my world. The work we do makes a difference in the world. The work absorbs me.
5. Challenge: The work here complements my ability. The work stretches me. I work hard. I am accountable for my own growth and contribution to the growth of others. I often accomplish things here I didn't believe were possible. 

I know I want to make my students feel this way. Think of all the endless possibilities you can have when students needs are met. Sometimes it may be difficult to find ways to meet the needs of all the different students in your class. If you desire it though it IS POSSIBLE. Allow your students to be needy, and let them know that YOU need them just as much as they need you. 

See you later alligator,
Laurel (like Carl)