Case Study 1: “Leo” - Building Confidence Through Encouragement
Leo was one of the quieter students in the class, hardly spoke, even when addressed directly and hesitant to ask for help. Early on, he struggled with confidence during hands-on activities and would often become visibly frustrated when things didn’t go as planned. During one lesson involving cutting paper for our tinfoil figures project, Leo began cutting with very aggressive, and frustrated jerky movements. It was clear he was overwhelmed. I gently placed my hand over his to help him slow down, took the scissors, and demonstrated how to make more controlled cuts. From that point forward, I focused on providing consistent positive feedback, celebrating his effort and process rather than just the outcome. The experience reminded me how essential patience, calm redirection, and encouragement are for helping sensitive students grow.
Case Study 2: “Mia” – Managing Distraction and Increasing Focus
Mia was a creative and capable student who often had strong ideas. However, she struggled with staying focused during class, due to frequent phone use. She would often check her phone during instruction and work time, which made it difficult for her to stay on task and complete her projects with care.
To address this, I implemented a simple classroom norm of keeping phones in backpacks during artmaking time. I also made sure to clearly explain expectations at the start of class. In addition, I gave Mia small roles during class, like handing out materials or helping others with blending, which helped her stay more engaged and redirected her energy in a positive way.
