Unfortunately, the question of how to inspire young adults is something that is still debated today. But there is a definite link between how we treat our younger students, to how we can inspire them.

The way children are treated in their early lives and the lessons they learn are what they carry with them forever. And teachers aspiring to inspire children means we need to focus on the issue of how this can be done from a grassroots level.

Here are a few pointers for us all to implement on how we can slowly develop a positive atmosphere and – in turn – aspire to inspire.

1) Children Are Individuals, and they all have their own unique personality.     

As soon as we start treating children as though they are all the same, we fail. We fail them as individuals. Children are not the same. They deserve to be treated differently, individually, and most of all with respect.

2) Children Change. Lets give them the benefit of the doubt.

We are all guilty of treating children a certain way because they misbehaved yesterday. Instead, have positive and optimistic approach towards that child. They may have changed. Or better yet, you may be the one to inspire that change of positivity from within them. It may have only just taken that one person to look over that childs’ short-comings in order for them to make the change within themselves for the better. you may have been the change in them that will last.

3) Avoid Categorising. Teach your students to see the world through one lens instead of many different lenses.

As mentioned previously, children are not the same. One thing we may also be guilty of is categorisation. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where we constantly place people into certain pockets because of their religion, the colour of their skin and so on. If we do this to children, we show them that it’s okay for them to do the same.

4) Answer Their Questions, no matter how trivial.

We have all been through this before. Whether they are students or your own children, they sometimes ask trivial and irksome questions. but the questions we find irksome are the questions that really matter to them. They are curious, and curiosity is a great trait to have. Lets not kill their curiosity by allowing ourselves to be annoyed by their questions. instead, relax, have patience and smile through the answers you give.

5) Don’t Draw Comparisons Between the Children; you are making them their own enemies.

Comparing children to each other based on who does what better is a complete no-no. We are already building these children to become their own enemies. Comparing also leads to bad behaviour and even failing to try out of fear that they will forever be compared to someone else who does things better.

7) Wanting to Tell a Child off? Do it in secret.

Its better to not tell a child off in a class full of students. the damage you’re doing is towards their self-esteem. it can also be exceedingly humiliating to be told off in a crowd. Instead, take that child to one side in your own time, and then bring up any issues with them.

6) Believe in Them. Only then will they start believing in themselves.

Students need to know that there is one person in this world that believes in them; that believes in their ability to achieve, to create, and to be great. That responsibility falls on their teacher. Thats you.

And they – without knowing it – come to us to be inspired.

‘I believe in you’ for them to change. wouldn’t you want to be this person?