Help for Billy Final Reflection

9/22/20

Janice Hines

Help for Billy has really left a big impact on me and my future as a teacher. This book

goes in depth on how to create a safe and welcoming classroom for everyone. Children like Billy

have scared me since I realized I wanted to be a teacher. After reading this, I am no longer

scared. Teachers have the opportunity to be a safe trusted person in these kids’ lives. Our

attitude and motives are always clear to our students and carry more responsibility than I

realized. We have to look at all our students individually and realize we may never know what

they are going through or what they have survived. It is our job to be patient and help teach

them how to learn, have social skills, and emotional skills. Many students have suffered trauma

that have left them untrusting and in flight or fight mode. We have to be able to identify these

students and come up with plans on how to teach them to self-regulate. It is vitally important

that students learn to understand their emotions and when they are reaching their breaking

point. A students with a small window of stress tolerance need to learn their triggers and have

an outlet to calm themselves down. Many times students are unaware of their actions and

need help figuring out how to control themselves appropriately. Understanding and patience

are essential in helping build a strong relationship with your students and helps them gain trust

in you.

My future classroom will be one where every student is greeted by name with a smile. I

want to be someone that they can trust and learn from by my example. My classroom will have
no tolerance for bullying and will be a community that helps each other. I want to mindful of

those around me and what each individual student needs to succeed. My intentions are pure

and my heart is full of joy for the future. I am no longer scared of students like Billy, rather

excited. I want to help students like Billy find their way and build social connections with others.

I will be patient and always remember that teacher’s words matter.