I’m a teacher and some of my methods are a little controversial – people might judge me for them but I know they work
A TEACHER has shared four of the most controversial methods she’s adopted in the classroom.
And while she knows they wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste, she said they work perfectly for her and her students, so she’ll continue doing them.
TikTok user Kelly Benkleman, who social media users can find at @mrs.kellybenkleman, describes herself on her profile as a “positive teacher.”
However, she’s the first to admit that some of her decisions aren’t textbook.
In a video posted to her account, Kelly told her 103.6k followers: “Things I do as a teacher that are often frowned upon.”
She added: “Sometimes others don’t understand my classroom.”
The teacher then ran through her unique checklist, as she took a seat in her classroom.
First up, she said that she “provides fidgets” for children who want them, referring to the popular sensory toy which kids can play with.
The second thing she chooses to do is swap out the children’s usual chairs in favour of yoga balls.
In fact, she showed exactly what she meant as she sat on a bright blue squidgy ball.
Next up – and the penultimate rule in her classroom – was perhaps the one that would shock most people.
Speaking about her students, Kelly explained that she “allows them to nap (if needed)”.
While last, but not least, she says she encourages the children to “play board games” as well as teaching them the curriculum.
Despite saying that others wouldn’t be a fan of her teaching tactics, the majority of Kelly’s social media supporters were nothing but supportive.
One commented on the post: “Absolutely nothing wrong with you!
“You know what your students need and respect those needs.”
A second person was in agreement as they wrote: “As an admin, I appreciate you for this.
“Thank you for considering the whole child and giving them opportunities to be successful.”
Another social media user said: “I did those same things when I was teaching in person.
“So many people got upset with me, but it was in the best interest of the student.”
While a fourth added: “And you’re going to be the teacher your students learn more from – keep doing an awesome job.”
