I'm a dad to two children. And if there is one thing that I know for sure (after parenting for several years), it's this: children develop differently. Written another way: children need different things in order to grow in a healthy, well adjusted way. That which works/worked for my older daughter may not work as well for my younger daughter and vice versa. This isn't to say that one way is somehow wrong or deficient; but rather, this is to state the simple (and profound) truth that we're all wired differently. The following is a specific example from our family: One of our daughters thrives in environments where, in order to complete the task, she is given detailed instructions. In the midst of this, she can take those instructions, digest them, and complete the task in fairly short order. However, our other daughter is different in that it doesn't matter how detailed the instructions; she needs a visual example in order to be successful. One learns best via instruction, and one learns best through visual means. They're both our children; they're both unique in how they approach the world, and we celebrate that. This as it relates to teaching: We can't get to the place where we know what our students need unless we understand who they are and from where they came. Therefore, the key to understanding difference (and implementing effective practice) is relationship. We know what each of our daughters needs because we know them. We spend time with them; we care about them; we desire for them to be successful. Additionally, they know that they matter to us. In the same way, it is our role, as teachers, to know our students- to know what they need in order to be successful (academically but also mentally and socially); and to do all we can in order to make this a reality. Is this hard? Yes. It is time consuming? Absolutely. Can it be infuriating? You bet. But, is it worth it? I would say, "unequivocally: yes".
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