We Believe: In Fostering Independence
At Blacksburg New School, we believe in fostering independence in our students. That being said, we encourage adults in their lives to provide the emotional support and guidance that they need along the way. Growing up is a journey, and we can give students the best start on that path if we allow them to do the things that we know they are capable of doing.
Building independence gives children a sense of importance and belonging. It develops their sense of responsibility and self-awareness, and allows them to be in a position to help others. Research shows that by guiding children towards independence they become more confident, have greater self-esteem, and can persevere through obstacles more easily (1).
In the elementary grades, this begins with having children unpack and get ready for the day on their own. Instead of having parents set everything up for their children, we encourage the kids to begin to take ownership of this process. They know where to hang up their jacket, they know where their homework folder should go, and they know where their lunchbox belongs. We break tasks down into manageable steps and help students work through what steps need to be done to accomplish a task.
For example, when students get small injuries that need minor attention on the playground, they show the wound to a teacher or parent volunteer before running off to wash it and put on a bandaid by themselves. This teaches them self-care, along with independence. They don’t need adults to do the things they are capable of doing on their own.
As independence slowly develops, this becomes a give-and-take process for parents and teachers. For example, when working on homework, parents can see how far their child can get on their own, whether it is trying to complete an assignment or trying to keep track of due dates. When a student begins to flounder, and it becomes clear that the methods they are using aren’t working, parents can step in to help and model more effective strategies. And then the adults can step back once more, allowing students to practice the new routine.
We see public speaking as an important part of developing students’ independence. Through annual Authors’ Nights readings and presentations of science and history projects, students learn how to talk and present in a formal setting. In Orange Room (first grade), students become “Resident Expert” for the week. In middle school, students take their history projects to the National History Day competition in Radford. And, it is not atypical at BNS for a student to stop a community member to expound at length about some new concept or idea that they are currently interested in.
Teachers encourage students to be thoughtful about their own learning preferences - determining how they learn best, what their strengths are, what their weaknesses are, and how they can work to compensate and overcome difficulties they have. We model organizational and study habits, as students try to figure out what works best for their own personal style of learning. We encourage them to self-advocate, and by middle school, students are talking to and emailing their teachers to let them know about planned absences, asking for clarification on lessons, or requesting extensions on projects.
We try to ensure that every student is ready for high school and ready to take charge of their own education. High school teachers often comment on how great BNS graduates are at talking to adults and advocating for what they need. At Blacksburg New School, we believe in fostering independence in students, so that they can be successful today and into their futures.
Maybe take photos that show more diversity!