- Consistency: One way to build trust between a child and a teacher is for the teacher to behave in a respectful manner and maintain guidelines and routines so children know what to do and what to expect to avoid emotional responses. Consistency doesn’t mean that rules can not change but their enforcement should not depend on the teachers feelings or manipulations from the children.
- Courage and strength of character: It is up to the teacher not to allow an angry child to run around and scream while waiting for the child to calm down. The act of not dealing with the child will result in the child repeating the behaviour. However, a teacher with courage and strength to see the problem through with the child will help the child to understand that the behaviour is not acceptable.
- Being genuine: Teachers who are honest about their feelings promote confidence between themselves and children. Using appropriate words like “I don’t want you to kick me again. It hurts me and I feel very angry with you when you do this to me”. Another way to build trust between teachers and children is to show interest in their lives like “I’m glad to see you today”.
- Empathy: Empathy is the ability to feel as other people feel. Empathy allows a teacher to put themselves in the child’s place. It helps them identify and understand how the child is feeling in order to respond appropriately to his/ her needs.
Reference
- Weissman, P., & Hendrick, J. (2014). The whole child: Developmental education for the Early Years. Pearson.