The second set of responses focused on an understanding of self-fulfilling prophecy, allowing us to see particularly clearly students thinking deeply about learning theory and feeling deeply about issues of faith at exactly the same time. I believe that every day is a new day. Every student walks into the classroom with a clean slate and a chance to make today a good day. When you begin a day with preconceived thoughts or ideas that a child will act up, you will probably. I believe I need to provide my students with the type of atmosphere where they will feel comfortable admitting a mistake and know they are not going to be looked upon as a failure.
Life is hard.
Children have got to feel safe and loved in school. It is important for the students to experience forgiveness and redemption so that they are not forced to operate under a heavy atmosphere full of tension. This could cause anxiety that could prevent them from learning. After reading these responses, it seemed important that we seek student feedback on the journaling assignment. Students were asked to write brief statements reflecting on the experience.