Learning More About Heart-Led Teaching

How is Heart-Led Teaching different? How is it different from what teachers do all the time?

This is a valid question, because as teachers, we walk into our classrooms every school year with the heart guiding and fueling our efforts—from setting up the classroom–to planning lessons–to implementing lessons–to planning classroom activities and celebrations—to passing out treats and wiping tears–to encouraging students to work hard and do their best—and more.

So, how is heart-led teaching different?

Heart-Led Teaching encompasses all of the above; yet, it also presents how the heart can be the central powerhouse for all efforts and needs within the classroom and school environment.

The heart can maintain its greatest power when it is surrounded by external energy that is orderly, uplifting, and receptive. Yet, as all educators know, there may be days—or even an entire school year—when the energy within a classroom moves in a direction that creates significant challenges.

At times, these challenges can grow to the point where they become the dominant factor and focus within the classroom, making it difficult to maintain a positive environment that supports effective teaching and meaningful learning. When this happens, classroom energy can begin to interfere with instructional plans, learning goals, relationships, and student engagement.

There is a human needs factor that fits into the grand scheme of teaching our students. As human beings, we all experience both joy and despair. We have successes and we have losses. We have what we need and may also have times of lack. We may be feeling our best today and not so great in the weeks that follow. Adults know the ebbs and flows of life all too well. What we must also recognize is that in their own way, young people experience this too. The ebbs and flows may also be greater with children, as they are not only working to learn in the educational environment; they are also at the beginning stages of learning to find their way through life.

As times have changed, our classrooms are also changing and educators and administrators may be discovering that more is needed and a different approach is necessary. Heart-Led teaching exists to support the changes and to introduce proven methods for supporting the modern-day classroom. Heart-Led teaching honors the steps from the classroom of yesterday. We build upon the past in order to approach tomorrow, while recognizing that it all exists on the same path that leads our students towards success.

Heart-Led Strategies assist educators in creating and maintaining harmonious: well-structured classroom environments that allow the heart to lead the way at all times.

We invite you to learn, join, lean upon, and lead — the heart-led way.

Follow our blog — it is the path to understanding your classroom — your students — and the need to care for self…the heart-led way.