How to Apply the Five Love Languages in the Classroom

Working together can be "quality time" for students.

Marriage counselor Dr. Gary Chapman released a book in 1992 titled, "The 5 Love Languages." This book details five ways in which love can be expressed and received. Although the primary aim of the book is to help married couples, you can also incorporate the book into classroom philosophy and practice. Learning to help your students to express and feel loved in the ways that matter most to them individually can help your classroom to be a healthier environment in which learning can take place.

Instructions

1. Speak affirming words to your students and encourage them to do the same to each other. Seize opportunities to compliment them and build them up. Many children are exposed to a great deal of negativity outside of school, and your words can make a pivotal difference in motivating them and convincing them of their worth.

2. Spend quality time with each student. You might not be able to spend one-on-one time with each student every day, but make it a goal to spend at least five minutes with every student individually. You can do this by taking a walk around the playground at recess or having a special classroom conference during a quiet study time. Also design cooperative activities so that the students can spend quality time with each other.

3. Give gifts to your students. One free gift that you can give is a positive note to take home to parents. You also can invest in inexpensive party favors or candy as special treats for certain occasions. Arrange times in which students can make gifts for each other or for family members. These gifts can be homemade cards and crafts.

4. Perform acts of service for your students and encourage them to do so for each other as well. An act of service can be as simple as tying a shoe or helping a child to clean up a mess.

5. Express love through appropriate physical touches. For example, a pat on the back can communicate pride in a job well done. Talk about appropriate ways for students to express friendship and caring for each other through touch. These ways can include handshakes, pats on the back and high-fives.

References

• The 5 Love Languages: About The Book