The Role of Students Needs

In the Tomlinson reading the following phrase can be found, stating: "...emotions trump learning." What does the phrase mean and what do you think about it?

To me, the phrase means that learning can only happen when the students themselves are in a happy medium where they feel safe and well cared for. When outside stressors come into effect such as the death of a loved one, parents divorcing, abuse whether emotional or physical, bullying, etc.; they can effect the students emotional well being and therefore distract the information from being received properly. Of course, milder stressors can also play into this. If the student is feeling anxious, insecure, frustrated or angry, this can disrupt their schoolwork. Yes, our basis as teachers is to enlighten young minds but we are also there to help them blossom into outstanding citizens. In doing this we must make sure they feel safe in the classroom and know that it is a protective environment.

I think it is very true how emotions can disrupt our learning but how we live our lives as well. This past week I have been through an unfortunate event where my last living grandfather past away unexpectantly. Luckily it has happened before a long holiday weekend that has let me recuperate before going back to school but it made me not able to concentrate when I needed to at work. It was only through support from close friends and family that I am going to be able to make it through the week. We all need support. These students need not only that safe environment, but the support from a teacher that believes they can do it as well.