Celebrate Your Students’ Temperament!
Every temperament has strengths
Why does he act like that?
Why would she say that?
What’s wrong with her anyway?
Have you ever said any of the above? Don’t worry, we all have.
One of the goals of understanding the four basic temperament styles is to move from misunderstanding a temperament in others to accepting and ultimately celebrating that type. Each has it’s own unique blend of strengths and weaknesses.
In ourselves as well as in our students, we must first recognize and celebrate strengths rather than focusing on changing or eliminating undesirable aspects. No one temperament is better than another. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
Four Temperaments
There are four basic temperaments and here’s a short description of the characteristics of each one:
D: dominant, determined, doer
I: inspiring, influencing, interactive
S: stable, supportive, sweet
C: cautious, competent, conscientious
While we are all uniquely wired and more comfortable operating out of our predominate temperament type, it is certainly possible to “visit” some of the other types. In order to do this, we have to recognize the area of need and consciously develop those traits that would be useful in a given situation.
Within the four temperaments, there is the possibility of a total of forty blends! It is important to note that very few people have only one type. In fact, about 80% of the population have two components that are high. The trick is to identify what characteristics are called for based on the situation. Each of us needs to spend most of our time working in our strengths. At the same time, we need to recognize when we should raise our less dominant characteristics based on the needs of the situation.
What does this mean for you and your students? What is the best way to encourage your student’s strengths while at the same time helping them deal with situations that challenge them?
- Teach: If your students are old enough to understand their temperament explain to them their strengths. Point out to them when you see them using those qualities in a positive way. Help them recognize the temperament of others and communicate in ways that show appreciation and kindness for all of our differences.
- Apply: Help children recognize situations where they are challenged, so they can learn and develop the necessary skills when called for. Is there another temperament type that they don’t understand? Can they develop an appreciation for their strengths as well as their own?
- Celebrate: We all have a unique blend of strengths. The differences we all have is what makes us all special. Recognize and celebrate the gifts we each bring to our respective families and communities.
