Next to their parents, teachers are often a child’s next line of defense against problems and challenges they’re facing. However, it’s not always easy for a kid to directly open up to an adult about exactly what’s going wrong or what their specific needs are.
That’s why school teacher, Julia Brown, decided to come up with an innovative solution that would allow students to express their needs to her without having to talk to her personally.
The creative educator invented what she calls an “I need” box for her students to place any need or issue they may have in a way that is more comfortable for them.
Since starting the box a few weeks ago, Julia has received notes like the following, according to her story submission to Love What Matters:
“I need help on a lesson we’ve already completed.”
“I need school supplies.”
“I need help with a friend issue.”
“I need help in another class.”
“I need a hug cause I’m sad.”
“I need to talk to someone about a situation at home.”
“I need to change seats.”
“I need help with a bully.”
Love What Matters
The “I need” box has since helped her connect and serve her students in ways she never thought possible. Several weeks after she started using it, the teacher of 15 years decided to share an update on how it was going in a Facebook post that has since gone viral:
“A few weeks ago I posted about the ‘I need’ box I was starting in my class. I wanted to give everyone an update.
If you recall, it was a way for my students to ask for help without having to come directly to me. They would write it on a card and leave it in the box.
The first week, two boys let me know about a bullying situation. We got it taken care of.