How can teachers set an example for inculcating a sense of responsibility in kids?

For any individual to be successful in their personal and professional lives, it is imperative for them to have a sense of responsibility. Children need to adopt this skill from the beginning itself so that they grow up to be responsible adults, contributing to society at large. Since students spend a large part of their impressionable years at school, teachers play an important role in influencing children.
 
Here are some tips on inculcating a sense of responsibility in kids:
 

1. Talking to children about responsibility:

It is imperative to introduce students in the classroom to responsibility. It can be done via assigning children simple jobs like tidying up after a play session in the classroom. Watching their peers participate in this activity can be a motivating factor for students to also contribute. Along with involvement in activities, children need to be explained the importance of these activities.
 

2. Involve students in chores:

Picking up books in the classroom, helping the support staff with activities, and encouraging students to help their peers help them understand their roles and responsibilities in school. Inviting students and making them feel important during participation in these activities will help them understand the concepts of collaboration, teamwork, and responsibility.
 

3. Create a routine:

Students can be assigned tasks through the day similar to a timetable helping them understand their roles & responsibilities in school. Teachers can guide parents as well on how they can create a routine at home for example: watering the plants, laying the dining table, covering their books, filling water bottles, etc.  These activities can be supplemented with simple learning like explaining the effect of water in plants, introducing children to the water cycle, sustainability, etc.
 

4. Be a role model:

Children learn best by observing adults. As teachers, it is important to act responsibly ourselves so that children model our behaviour. By observing the actions of teachers, parents and peers, children will slowly learn to be responsive and responsible to duties. Involving them in community building and engagement along with teachers will help mould them into responsible citizens. It is important that these activities are started in a school from a young age. Teacher training programs on socio-emotional learning, inculcating responsibility & pre-primary teacher training can help teachers learn how to do this.
 

5. Positive reinforcement:

Complimenting students for a job well done or for appropriate behaviour helps encourage students at school. Different reinforcements can be introduced at different grades from pre-primary to senior school. These form an important part of life skills integration. This is an integral part of teacher training programs as per the Central Board of Secondary Education.
 
Teachers and parents have a dual role in inculcating responsibility in children. Training teachers via online teacher training programs to be able to pass on the essential skills to students can be a part of a school’s professional development program for teachers. Contact Aditya Birla Education Academy to know more about the online training workshops for teachers.