Developing a person’s self-esteem and confidence starts from the very beginning of their life, and this helps to determine how comfortable they feel in their own skin as they grow up.
March is a month of celebration. We celebrate women as part of International Women’s Day and Mothers Day, Scientists during British Science Week, and let’s not forget the all-important World Down Syndrome Day and World Autism Acceptance Week. March has an overall nurturing message that all should be accepted and celebrated.
What role does a teacher play in a child’s life?
“88% of people think their teachers had a significant role in their lives.”
Statistic Source: weareteachers / aflcio
Teaching is one of the most influential careers anyone can have. You are tasked with teaching and inspiring a new generation. From their love of learning and behaviour to their self-esteem and mentality; as a teacher you inspire, influence and educate.
Considering this influence, it is essential that tools and techniques for celebrating and accepting individuality and implements by teachers throughout the full school journey.
You can read more about the difference a teacher makes on a child’s life in our blog here.
How can we celebrate individuality in Primary Schools?
There are so many ways individuality can be celebrated in Primary School settings. As a teacher or teaching assistant in a primary school, you will act as the role model for your class, creating a foundation of support and acceptance that will then be mirrored and developed upon by the children you work with.
As highlighted by the Princess of Wales Shaping Us campaign, there is a critical importance of early childhood in shaping the adults we become, and this journey is directly influenced by nursery and school years.
“A teacher will influence around 3,000 children in their most important years.”
Statistic Source: weareteachers / aflcio
From class plans that include affirmations, confidence-boosting tasks and activities, storytelling and related lessons, or even the fun, celebratory songs we teach and sing; all contribute to teaching children from a young age that we appreciate and accept their individual stories and diversity.
Top Tip:
Singing and music can be a great way to bring affirmations, diversity and self-awareness into your lessons, in a fun, subtle and interactive way.
How can we celebrate individuality in Secondary Schools?
A secondary school teacher, you are often working with children and young adults who have a moral compass and traits already established from their early years. However, this doesn’t mean that your importance in shaping their understanding of themselves and the need to celebrate individuality is lost or less essential.
As your students grow, so will their need for independence and individuality, and it is important to create a safe space within your classroom for expression and to allow your students to take the lead. Lessons that encourage acknowledging diversity, encouraging change and leadership are all exceptionally beneficial in determining an accepting environment.
Top Tip:
Consider the reading lists you encourage to complement your teaching. Are the authors diverse? Do the books and studies showcase a range of individuality in your resources?
Creativity and Flexibility
Throughout Primary and Secondary school, the theme of allowing and encouraging creative thinking and flexibility in a safe environment is paramount.
There are lessons that naturally encourage such traits, such as English, Drama and Music, but that doesn’t mean that these elements cannot be introduced to any lesson. How a child learns, the resources they are given, and the nature of communication all work to creating creative, flexible and safe environments which encourage, accept and celebrate individuality.
Resources available
TES has a wide range of resources to develop, encourage and celebrate individuality, including this assembly plan for celebrating individuality in secondary schools.
Twinkl is also a great resource for lesson plans and teaching materials to encourage conversations on individuality and diversity. There is a great PowerPoint on celebrating differences here.
One Community also have lesson plans on individuality and how it can be discussed in schools, whilst Essex County Council have a hub of teaching resources and assessment tools available to help support teaching, with a particular area targeted at social, emotional and mental health skills and developmental needs.
What next?
Do you want to work in an industry that shapes the future leaders of tomorrow and builds the acceptance and individuality of a generation?
Head to our Job’s Board for the latest educational vacancies in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk Primary and Secondary schools.