Haim Ginott Quote I Am The Decisive Element
Children are like sponges, they absorb everything around them. Haim Ginott, a renowned child psychologist, recognized the power of words and the impact they have on children. His quote, “I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.” is a powerful reminder of the impact teachers have on their students.
The Power of a Teacher’s Personal Approach
As educators, teachers have a unique opportunity to shape the lives of their students. They are responsible for creating a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters growth and development. Ginott’s quote emphasizes the importance of a teacher’s personal approach in creating this environment. Teachers who approach their students with kindness, empathy, and understanding create a positive classroom climate that encourages learning and growth.
On the other hand, teachers who approach their students with negativity, disrespect, and harshness create a toxic classroom environment that can lead to a host of negative outcomes. It is important for teachers to recognize the impact they have on their students and to approach them with the care and respect they deserve.
The Impact of a Teacher’s Daily Mood
A teacher’s daily mood can make or break a student’s day. If a teacher is in a bad mood, it can create a negative atmosphere in the classroom that can be felt by everyone. Conversely, if a teacher is in a good mood, it can create a positive atmosphere that encourages learning and growth.
It is important for teachers to recognize the impact their mood has on their students and to take steps to manage their emotions. This can include taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk, or talking to a colleague. By managing their emotions, teachers can ensure that their mood does not negatively impact their students.
The Power of a Teacher’s Response
How a teacher responds to a situation can have a significant impact on the outcome. If a teacher responds with anger and frustration, it can escalate the situation and create a sense of chaos in the classroom. On the other hand, if a teacher responds with empathy and understanding, it can de-escalate the situation and create a sense of calm.
It is important for teachers to recognize their power to influence the outcome of a situation and to respond in a way that is compassionate and respectful. By doing so, they can create a positive learning environment that fosters growth and development.
The Importance of Humanizing Students
Finally, Ginott’s quote emphasizes the importance of humanizing students. It is easy for teachers to view their students as objects to be managed and controlled, rather than as individuals with unique needs and experiences. This can lead to a dehumanizing classroom environment that is not conducive to learning and growth.
By humanizing their students, teachers can create a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encourages growth and development. This can include taking the time to get to know their students on a personal level, showing empathy and understanding, and recognizing their strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
Ginott’s quote serves as a powerful reminder of the impact teachers have on their students. By recognizing the power of their personal approach, daily mood, and response, teachers can create a positive learning environment that fosters growth and development. By humanizing their students, teachers can create a supportive and nurturing classroom environment that encourages learning and growth. As educators, it is our responsibility to use our power wisely and to approach our students with kindness, empathy, and understanding.