Teachers all have challenging learners in their classes. We teach them, include them in class activities and treat them like all our other students. But sometimes is very difficult to like these students. Many come from troubled backgrounds and have not learned proper social skills, or from homes where they may not have the means to properly groom themselves. These students especially, need love, acceptance and special attention to help them through their studies. Schools have started the Miracle Minutes program to keep them from falling through the cracks in our system.

At the beginning of the year a list of students who might require extra attention in the school is made. Participating teachers choose a student on that list that with whom they have a connection. They may both like sports or books, or a teacher may have enjoyed working with a particular student in a past year. The teacher makes it a point to casually talk each day to the student they have chosen. They may begin with getting to know the student and slowly building up a relationship. This allows the student to identify with at least one adult in the school, who is perceived as being on their "side." It allows students to feel comfortable enough to talk to an adult in times of fear, crisis, or loneliness. This program also serves as a form of mediation between other teachers and the student. If a teacher has a problem with a student then they can talk to the teacher who is mentoring them to see if there are any tips or skills that might work well. The key to the program's effectiveness is genuine love and care for the well-being of the student.

Graphic:
http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon