During our recent Children’s Theatre of Charlotte week-long “Whose Camp is it Anyway?” I met a young female camper who I immediately recognized as a kindred spirit.
She was very sensitive, an overthinker and uncomfortable with any activity that involved competition.
Things came to a head after a vigorous round of Musical Chairs.
She started to cry, and I was fearful that she would drop out of the camp before it was completed.
I comforted her as best I could.
After that, I realized immediately what my job was, protect this underdog.
Throughout the rest of the week at camp I checked in with her, one to one, when I could, did my best to reassure her that she was doing a great job and validated her expressions of creativity and her hesitations and concerns.
At the end of the camp, after a final performance, her mom led her over to me and we exchanged a hug.
Her post activities feedback form indicated that she had a wonderful time in camp even though at times it was challenging for her.
(Below) is a post from www.dobsonlibrary.com discussing the importance of educators supporting their “underdog” students.
Defending the Underdog
By Dr. James Dobson
Every school has dozens of boys and girls who are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Some are physically unattractive, some are slow learners, and some are simply unable to make friends and find a comfortable place in the school environment.
The key question is: What should teachers do when they see one of these disrespected children being ridiculed and taunted by his peers? Some would say, “Kids will be kids. Stay out of the conflict, and let the children work out their differences for themselves.” I disagree emphatically.
When a strong, loving teacher comes to the aid of the least respected child in the class, something dramatic occurs in the emotional climate of the room. Every child seems to utter an audible sigh of relief. The same thought bounces around in many little heads: If that kid is safe from ridicule, then I must be safe, too. By defending the least-popular child in the classroom, the teacher is demonstrating that she respects everyone and that she will fight for anyone who is being treated unfairly.
One of the values children cherish most is justice. They are, conversely, very uneasy in a world of injustice and abuse. Therefore, when we teach children kindness and respect for others by insisting on civility in our classrooms, we’re laying a foundation for human kindness in the world of adulthood to come.
I say again to teachers: Defend the most defenseless child in your classroom.
# # #
As I have probably mentioned many times in these blog posts, I consider myself a situational extrovert. When the spotlight shines on me, I have no problem filling that spotlight with energy and enthusiasm.
However, away from the spotlight, I am an introvert by nature.
Perhaps, that is why I am always looking for the quietest, most deep in thought, reading, drawing and/or sitting alone students in my classrooms with the intent on asking them how they are doing and trying to give them an encouraging word about their achievements, no matter how quiet or subtle.
The loud voices, the, both, best and worst behavior and achievement students tend to get all the attention.
A classroom and/or a school campus can be a very lonely place for those students who, most often, live inside their own heads and thoughts.
Don’t get me wrong, I revel in those who loudly and proudly express their talents in my classrooms.
But please understand students who need me to be their advocate I will always be there for you.