A Gentle Mirror to Reflect and Grow as a Teacher

Dear Teacher,

Every day in the classroom, your words and actions carry immense power. You possess the power to shape not just minds, but hearts. Every word you speak, and every gesture you make in the classroom, quietly leaves a mark on your students — building them up or breaking them down. It's not always the big things that students remember — the small words spoken in passing, the unnoticed glances, the little acts of appreciation or dismissal. In every classroom, the real lessons lie not only in books but in the teacher's words and actions. Sometimes, without intending to, we might say or do things that touch a student’s heart in ways we didn’t imagine —positively or painfully.

 Here is a checklist that is not to judge or blame. It is a mirror to help us reflect, grow, and fine-tune our practices so that every child feels valued, safe, and motivated in our presence. Small changes in our words, gestures, and choices can have a deep and lasting impact on students’ self-esteem and enthusiasm to learn.

Take a few moments to go through the following points honestly and gently. Use this self-check as a regular practice — perhaps at the end of the week — to keep your classroom a space of positivity, respect, and growth for every learner.

Remember: Empowered teachers empower students.

Let’s begin this reflection journey

I. Hurtful Words/Statements That Demotivate Students

1. "You’ll never be able to do this."
2. "Why can’t you be like [another student’s name]?"
3. "This is so simple — only a fool wouldn’t get it."
4. "Your marks show how smart you are — and yours say it all."
5. "I expected this from you." (sarcastic tone)
6. "Don’t waste my time if you can’t keep up."
7. "People like you don’t go far in life."
8. "You’re always a problem in class."
9. Using abusive, insulting, or harsh language.
10. Commenting negatively on appearance (e.g., "You’re too fat," "so dark," "so short").
11. Giving cruel labels or nicknames based on body, color, or looks.
12. Make comparisons that humiliate (e.g., "Look how well [name] does it, and you can't even try.") and add more.

II. Hurtful Actions/Behaviors That Demotivate Students

1. Showing partiality — favoring some students while ignoring or being harsh to others.
2. Punishing one student severely but ignoring the same mistake by favorite ones.
3. Always giving important roles/tasks to only a select few, excluding others.
4. Never appreciating students even after sincere efforts.
5. "Marking with heavy red ink that overwhelms students, making them focus more on what went wrong than how they can improve."
6. Snubbing or ignoring students when they want to speak or ask questions.
7. Making minor complaints to parents or higher-ups, embarrassing students.
8. Eye-rolling, sighing, or showing frustration when students ask questions.
9. Ignoring raised hands repeatedly in class.
10. Publicly scolding or humiliating a student in front of peers.
11. Laughing along with the class when a student makes a mistake.
12. Marking down students without explanation or constructive feedback.
13. Mocking handwriting, accent, or speaking style.
14. Showing visible impatience or irritation when a student is slow.
15. Avoiding eye contact or giving cold, dismissive looks.
16. Punishing the entire class for the mistakes of a few.
17. Physically punishing — slapping, hitting, or forcefully handling a student.
18. Humiliating in front of other teachers or during public events.
19. Favoring only certain students in class discussions, group tasks, or activities.
20. Labeling students (e.g.,  stupid, idiot, simpleton troublemaker, lazy, hopeless) and reinforcing that image repeatedly. Add more from your own.

The power to build a child’s courage and curiosity lies quietly in our daily classroom choices. No big tools are needed — just a little more mindfulness in how we speak, listen and respond.

So today, take a quiet pause and ask yourself:

👉 Are my words lighting up my students or dimming their will to try?

👉 Are my actions building bridges of confidence or walls of fear?

Because every small shift you make as a teacher can plant seeds of lasting growth in your students."