Daily Frameworks for 28 March 2024

Istijlál, 09 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E

Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1

Quote for Reflection:

Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the education of children is of the first importance. Let them put forth every effort in this regard, for when the bough is green and tender it will grow in whatever way ye train it. Therefore is it incumbent upon the mothers to rear their little ones even as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let them strive by day and by night to establish within their children faith and certitude, the fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the worlds, and all good qualities and traits. Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however, permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child’s character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal abuse. — ’Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Following the guidance Abdu’l-Bahá gives mothers in the quote above, how can teachers encourage children in their efforts to show forth upright conduct and discourage undesirable behavior? ²

Google Gemini Response:

Based on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s quote, here are some ways teachers can encourage good behavior and discourage negative behavior in children:

Positive Reinforcement

• Praise and Recognition: Just like mothers are advised to applaud good behavior, teachers can use praise and recognition to reinforce positive choices and actions. This could involve verbal praise, stickers, or other forms of positive reinforcement. The quote emphasizes cheering the child’s heart.
• Focus on Effort and Improvement: Praise should be about the outcome and the child’s effort. Acknowledge their progress and celebrate their attempts to improve, even if they haven’t yet mastered a concept or skill.
  

Discouraging Negative Behavior

• Reasoned Discussions and Guidance: Instead of punishing, the quote emphasizes using “means based on reason.” Teachers can engage children in discussions about the consequences of their actions and help them understand how their choices might impact others.
• Gentle Correction and Advice: Mild verbal correction, primarily when delivered caringly and constructively, can effectively redirect negative behavior. The quote highlights “a slight verbal chastisement” as a possible tool but stresses it should be used sparingly.
• Focus on Solutions and Improvement: Instead of dwelling on the mistake, help the child find solutions and develop strategies for avoiding the same behavior in the future.
  

Additional Considerations

• Age-Appropriate Strategies: The specific approach should be tailored to the child’s age and developmental level.
• Promoting Positive Relationships: Building a positive and trusting relationship with students is critical to effective behavior management. Students who feel supported and cared for by their teachers are more receptive to guidance.
• Consistency and Collaboration: Consistency in expectations and consequences across teachers and at home is essential. Teachers can collaborate with parents to ensure a unified approach to reinforcing good behavior and addressing negative behaviors.
  

Overall, teachers can most effectively encourage good behavior and discourage negative behavior by focusing on positive reinforcement, reasoned guidance, and promoting positive student-teacher relationships. Harsh punishments or shaming tactics are discouraged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who emphasizes fostering a learning environment that nurtures good character through encouragement and support.

ChatGPT 3.5 Response:

Following the guidance provided by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, teachers can encourage children in their efforts to exhibit upright conduct and discourage undesirable behavior through several approaches:

• Positive Reinforcement: Teachers should praise and applaud children when they demonstrate positive behavior and efforts. This positive reinforcement helps reinforce desirable conduct and encourages children to continue their efforts.
• Constructive Feedback: When undesirable behavior manifests, teachers should provide constructive feedback to the child. Instead of criticism or punishment, teachers can calmly and compassionately counsel the child, explaining why the behavior is undesirable and suggesting alternative ways of behaving.
• Setting Clear Expectations: Teachers should establish clear expectations for classroom behavior and communicate them to the children. By setting clear boundaries and guidelines, children understand what is expected of them and are more likely to comply.
• Modeling Good Behavior: Teachers serve as role models for children, and they can influence behavior through their actions and interactions. By demonstrating kindness, respect, and integrity in their interactions with students and others, teachers provide positive examples for children to emulate.
• Encouraging Self-Reflection: Teachers can encourage children to reflect on their actions and the consequences of their behavior. Through guided discussions and activities, children can learn to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: Teachers should cultivate a supportive and nurturing classroom environment where children feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. By fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance, teachers can help children develop confidence and resilience.
• Collaboration with Parents: Teachers should maintain open communication with parents and involve them in encouraging positive behavior and addressing challenges. Teachers can ensure consistent expectations and ongoing support for the child’s development by working with parents.
  

By implementing these strategies, teachers can effectively encourage children to demonstrate upright conduct while compassionately and constructively addressing and discouraging undesirable behavior.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 125. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/5#563853988. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.2.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 15-16. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩