August 2005
COMPASSIONATE CLASSROOM CLIMATE

The days of summer splendor wind down as children and educators return to the classroom. I already miss
the daily delights of entrepreneurial children holding “lemonade sales” in my neighborhood. Day in and day
out I admired their perseverance, hard work and dedication in pursuing their dreams. Observing the immense pleasure of children gleefully splashing in play pools and dogs being bathed simply for the child’s primary intention of cleverly cooling off fills me with smiles how children ingeniously utilize their time. Their spirits are infectious. How blessed I am to be in their presence most of my waking hours (and probably some of my sleeping ones too)!!!

What is compassion?
At the Soul In Education conference, there were nearly as many different definitions as people in attendance. One of the simplest definitions is “understanding with love.” The truer meaning of compassion is a willingness
to enter the suffering of another. I value compassion as a deep appreciation and understanding of another person's feelings and experiences - often combined with a strong desire to offer support through empathy. Compassion is a vulnerable opening of one’s heart to another person’s pain or challenges while requiring
nothing in return. Through compassion and empathy, we become interconnected with one another in
meaningful relationship. This summer, I have experienced countless compassionate connections that neither
I nor the other person anticipated – magical moments never to be repeated or forgotten. The more I shift into
and live a compassionate and empathic consciousness, the more life-enriching encounters I experience

COMPASSIONATE CLASSROOM CLIMATE
Let’s take a closer look at what a compassionate classroom looks and feels like. You may need to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your mind and heart a bit as you take this journey with me. There are many ways to create a climate of compassion. The following description comes from personal experience and intuition.

I see compassion as the connecting quality of classrooms, the glue that builds and bonds relationships, the heart of a community that embraces the fullness of life.

In compassionate classrooms,

children feel welcome, safe, nurtured, accepted, heard, respected, important, necessary and have a deep sense of belonging,

experiential learning is a positive and fun experience where “mistakes” are celebrated and seen as opportunities for personal growth and extended learning,

children are viewed as capable and partnerships are developed in which children are actively involved with planning and decision-making,

children’s uniqueness, gifts, talents, learning styles and dispositions are revered,

children are interested, successful and fully engaged in tasks they value and choose thus experiencing increased joy of learning and personal accomplishments,

meaningful relationships among peers, adults, community, topics and life flourish as a result of children and adults learning to connect to the needs behind their feelings/behaviors and clearly expressing requests

Can you picture it? A classroom that embraces the presence of all who enter; children passionately engaged in what they hold dear to their hearts; absorbed in lively exchanges about meaningful topics; a culture of pervasive caring and sharing, nurturing and nourishing; a sense of community and unity so strong that what affects one, touches and moves all others.

WHY?
Children thrive in safe, caring and nurturing environments – we all do. How children feel and what they think
about themselves and others strongly affects their ability to learn, to think, to concentrate, to remember, and to express themselves authentically. I’m sure you can recall times when feelings of joy, sadness, or worry have impacted your actions, interactions, reactions, behaviors and relationships at work, home or out in the world. Children come to school with a wide range of emotions and yet they are too often punished for communicating their feelings in ways that adults don’t seek to understand.

Compassionate classrooms embrace the whole child. Compassionate educators provide a sacred space where children KNOW it is safe to be genuine everyday in every way. When warmth, empathy, tenderness and sensitivity are routinely extended, children become more aware of their true nature and transformational learning naturally occurs. A deep caring for the dignity, well-being, and respect of each child opens the door for children to evolve as self-directed, autonomous learners.

Leo Buscaglia beautifully captures the blessings of compassion: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

HOW?
It begins with me, it begins with you, it begins with us. Start with awareness – being awake and responsive to thoughts, feelings and needs. Who am I in this moment? What am I feeling? What needs are being met or unmet? Practice checking-in with what is alive within you at any given moment or situation. Don’t edit or deny any feelings or needs that surface – allow yourself the freedom of being present to what is stirring within. And then…are you ready? Practice the ultimate act of self-care – comfort yourself. Imagine how you would
empathize with your nearest and dearest friend, partner, family member or child. Now, share that same compassionate sweetness with yourself. When we are angry, frustrated, disappointed, or fearful, we most
often behave in ways that are disconnecting and even harmful or hurtful. Self-empathy is a soothing “act of
loving kindness” that shatters the walls of pain, suffering and separation.

The practice of self-empathy is a process I have recently adopted and embrace at every opportunity. The
results? Most importantly, learning to STOP, BREATHE, and CHECK-IN. Yes, some situations require an immediate response, especially when there is a risk of physical harm. Other times, as soon as I dissolve
blame, shame, guilt, criticism, or fear from situations, I show up with the “soul-intention” of connection. I
now teach with greater mindfulness, awareness, and loving kindness. When I am compassionate with myself,
I find it easier to be truly compassionate with others – children and colleagues alike.

“When we know ourselves to be connected to all others,
acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do.” Rachel Naomi Remen

Love, light and compassionate blessings,
Adrian Reznik

Nurture a Child “Nuggets”

I highly recommend the following resources for cultivating a compassionate classroom climate. Their description and links are included on the new RESOURCE page. They are valuable tools for not only educators, but parents as well.

Life Enriching Education: NVC Helps Schools Improve Performance, Reduce Conflict and Enhance Relationships Marshall B Rosenberg, Ph.D.

The Compassionate Classroom: Relationship–Based Teaching and Learning
Sura Hart & Victoria Kindle Hodson

EDUCATORS: We want to hear from you!

A colleague and I were brainstorming workshop ideas for teachers. We found ourselves in deep conversation about the current conditions of education and the impact upon educators. What evolved from our discussion
were questions:

What could we do to make your life easier?

How could we contribute to your life being more wonderful?

Send your responses via email Adrian@nurtureachild.com or hard copy (address at bottom of email). Let your voice be heard. We are listening. We want to know what really matters to you and how YOU choose to be supported. If you are a parent, ask your children’s teachers to respond.

"Creating Compassionate Community for Educators"

Educators, care givers, coaches, administrators, teachers’ assistants, etc. Christine Dove and I desire to offer
a supportive group for educators entitled, "Creating Compassionate Community for Educators," to address the unmet needs of educators. We imagine this group to be one shaped by the participants. To share your needs/wishes, to participate or to inquire, email or call Adrian at 623-435-1586 or Adrian@nurtureachild.com

Visit Nurture A Child’s new RESOURCE page which includes a listing of recommended books, web links and products. Contact me if you’d like to see other products or links included.

Copyright © 2005 Adrian Reznik