Examples of the Nurtured Hearth Approach
Problem: A student does not turn in homework on time. It is 2 weeks into the school year, and the student has still not turned in a single assignment. However, that student is very bright and does not have a problem working in school.
Solution: Do an assignment in class, and ask the students to turn in it after they have completed it in class. When that student turns it in, praise the student by saying, "Student, I am so proud of you. You just turned in that assignment right on time. That shows that you are committed to your learning. Turning in assignments like that, right on time, shows that you are so responsible and dedicated to school."
Problem: A student habitually talks without raising his/her hand.
Solution Part One: When that student talks without raising his/her hand, ask the student to reset.
Solution Part Two: While talking, tell the class that you have a question for them and that if they think they know the answer, you would like to see them raise their hand. Ask the class the question. If the student raises his/her hand, praise him/her by saying, "Student, Thank you for raising your hand. That shows that you are respectful of me and of your classmates. Raising your hand to answer a question shows that you are such a mature learner and that you value what other people have to say, too."
Problem: A student is particularly shy and does not raise his/hand to answer questions in class.
Solution: During independent work time, the teacher should go over to the student and ask the student a question. When the student answers, the teacher should praise the student by saying, "Student, thank you so much for sharing that with me. Being open and answering questions shows that you care about your learning and that you are interested in learning more and participating. Your thoughts are so valuable, and I love hearing them. Thank you for sharing that." Eventually, the teacher can work up to calling on the student in small group settings, and then when comfortable, in front of the whole class.