HEART WORDS

I saw this quote a few days ago… ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.
When I was a high school teacher in Hamilton, I had two classes of Gateway students. University is not for everyone and the boys in these classes were keen to secure a trade apprenticeship before the school year ended. By way of explanation, the Gateway programme is designed to give students one day in the school week practical work experience in a trade workplace and a theoretical class based programme that helps the students get work ready. 
The Gateway team of Manager, two administrators and me the classroom teacher worked tirelessly to get positive outcomes. On the student’s last day I would talk one on one with the student (in private) and let them know why I thought they would succeed in the next stage of their lives. I would say things such as; 
“I like your work ethic, John. I think your boss will too.
Your determination to succeed in plumbing has been noticed.
You arrive to my class on time and this will mean a lot in your workplace.
Class work noise doesn’t disturb you, which means that you can remain focussed for long periods. Good on you.
 I know you will add value to your company. All the best John.”
The students would fix their eyes on me and take in my words of truth and belief. Those words were from my heart and into their heart. The students knew that I believed in them 100%. Occasionally I catch up with students from the Gateway classes in Raglan. The handshakes and smiles are real. They still can’t call me Steve though. “Hi Sir” or “Mr Horne” always precedes our conversations. Kinda nice eh.

POINTS to PONDER
Words of affirmation and encouragement can be sadly lacking in our education system. If you are a teacher or parent (or both) take the time to look for the good in students and in your own children.
Get to know your students’ strengths and work on these. The not so good bits will eventually look after themselves.
Our words are powerful and can change lives for good. What an awesome responsibility as a teacher and parent to speak words that show you care.

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