“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
I’m intentional about creating a classroom environment in which students feel loved, both by each other and by me.
During our time of online and hybrid learning, I used journal reflections to give students opportunities to think about and write responses to simple prompts: everything from how their days were going to how their actions impacted the people around them. Students requested we continue these journal reflections when we returned to in-person learning, so they are now part of our routine.
The latest reflection prompt was simple: How are you doing? Students had two minutes to write their thoughts before having the opportunity to share their responses with the class. On this day, one student shared what was happening in her life, and soon started crying.
The other students enveloped her in a group hug.
And as I sat and watched, holding back full-fledged tears (because I’m an ugly crier – I’m talking red face, contorted mouth, and runny nose) I was overwhelmed by the moment.
Because the student who shared felt safe in our classroom, with that group of students.
Because the other students recognized her vulnerability and heartache, and they moved beyond their own potential discomfort and put the needs of their friend above their own.
All because of love.
My tears also came because of the overwhelming reminder that God put me in this job, with these students, for a reason. I may not be able to proclaim His love verbally, but He uses me to be His love in how I treat my students and the classroom environment I create.
Without knowing it, I made room for love.
In the ways I interact with my students, and in the way I teach them to interact with each other.
In the consistent classroom atmosphere, and in the way my lesson plans leave time and space for students to be human.
We didn’t spend a lot of time on course content that day, but it didn’t matter. We made room for love, and that’s what my students remembered as they left the safety of our classroom.
How can you make room for love in your daily routine?
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
