During my final practicum, I had a few students in my Grade 1 class who struggled with social, emotional, and academic learning. I did my best to support them by working one-on-one whenever possible, offering encouragement, and finding ways to meet them where they were. Whether it was helping with their reading, giving them strategies to manage big emotions, or just being a consistent, supportive presence, I made sure they knew they weren’t alone in their learning.
I focused on building their confidence by celebrating small wins and creating a safe space where they felt comfortable taking risks. I adapted my approach based on what each student needed, whether that meant extra time on a task, breaking things into smaller steps, or simply sitting with them and listening. It was important to me that they felt seen, supported, and capable, and I know those connections made a difference in their growth.