Having been a teacher and principal for over 35 years I have had the privilege to know so many wonderful students. A number of those students would have likely been described as reserved or quiet. I personally find quieter students amazing to work with. Here is my reasoning: the more verbal student is often easier to read on how you can support, challenge and/or extend their learning. But for the slightly less vocal student, that is where you need to reach deep into your teacher/principal toolbox and find a way to reach them and communicate effectively.
Two of our own children, when in the classroom, were more reserved. I can’t tell you how many conferences my husband and I attended where we heard from their teacher, “I wish we would hear more from ________.” I totally understood their teachers’ thinking and saw their genuine desire to share their best teaching practices. Here is where I might suggest we as educators could possibly take more of a 180 degree turn towards supporting our quieter students. We all recognize some kids just need time to mature and find their voice in the classroom setting. For others it can be about the classroom environment. Teachers, support staff and administrators need to continue to check in to make sure each student feels safe, supported and is connecting with their teacher. Sure there will be moments of uncertainty or misunderstandings – we are all humans working together for children and that is part of the learning/teaching process. Understandably for the more reticent students, checking in requires listening, watching and leaning in closely and often.
I have had so many caring families share that at home their child can be a chatterbox! That is totally understandable and common so let’s respect the process and journey of students finding their voice outside their family circle. It has been my experience that some students are going to remain quiet regardless. They are probably attentive, strong listeners who prefer not to raise their hand often. Those students will often respond more effectively in writing or when asked to create a project to demonstrate their knowledge. Though teachers/professors love to hear a student’s questions and what they are thinking – for some that is not just in their comfort zone yet and they might remain on the quiet side. As much as it is a delight to converse with students, we should continue to treasure and value all types of learners to include the quiet ones.
The teachers I most admire are those who work their magic every school day in getting to know each of their students. They accept and take joy in each type of personality and learning style. They continue to grow their teaching practice – never satisfied and never done learning themselves. They recognize and believe the worth of a diverse classroom teeming with all types of personalities and learning preferences. Here’s to the quiet kids who might not say a lot but are worth the extra effort and understanding. In their own unique way they can have a lot to say too!
Best,
Laine