As a teacher, you will know that education is not just about academia and passing exams. School is one of the most important times in a child’s life, as it is the years that shape who they become. Regardless of the age group you teach, it is your responsibility as a teacher to provide students with the best education you can, for exams as well as learning life skills. Here are the best ways to prepare your students for life outside the classroom.

Educate yourself

OK, so this first one focuses on you, but it is essential. By taking part in additional teaching courses and discovering different teaching methods, you will be providing your students with an even better educator. Search for interesting courses like Fresno Pacific University’s Whole Child Education Class to learn new approaches for your teaching. You will learn more teaching methods to provide your students with all-round teachings that expand the curriculum.

Take field trips

Sometimes, education needs to leave the classroom. Give your students a taste of the outdoor world by taking them on more field trips. A shift from the norm means they will be more engaged, and they will learn in ways they cannot in the classroom. Visit museums, farms, theatres – places they can experience something new and have fun at the same time.

Lessons on finances

Unfortunately, not every kid is taught how to deal with finances for when they reach adulthood. It is an important life skill, however, so you should try to fit it into your schedule. Take some time out of your daily lesson plans to teach kids about money and financing, providing them with essential knowledge that will most certainly come in handy.

Team-building exercises

In the big, wide world, your students will only get far if they know how to communicate well and calmly with others and work as a team. Some kids are shier than others, but it’s still important to get them to work with each other so they can build up their confidence. Find unique, interesting ways of getting your students to work in teams. You could even involve a little competition to encourage them. They will learn how to work with others (as well as how not to work with them, too).

Give them responsibility

Coddling students every hour of the day will not prepare them for life outside the classroom. Allow them to stand on their own two feet once in a while, and trust them with some responsibilities. This doesn’t mean you should leave them on their own for an hour, but simply allow them more say in what goes on in the classroom. If they have ideas about a lesson, listen to them. Show them that their voices count and that if they want to be heard, they must communicate politely and clearly. When students are thriving, give them more responsibilities, encouraging them to work hard every day.

Being a teacher is all about passing the best of your knowledge on, and if you can provide them with all they need to get on well in the world, you will leave the classroom each day with pride.
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November 6, 2020