The Four Temperaments in the Classroom

If there is one place knowledge of the temperaments could save one's bacon, it is in the classroom. Teachers who know the characteristics of the four temperaments would invest in their survival and peace of mind by applying this knowledge to the learning environment.

For the teacher, the first step is, as always, to know your temperament – your natural likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. This awareness would help to understand your reactions to the different temperaments. Teachers who know how to talk into each student's temperament have hit the jackpot. This approach would contribute to children listening better and entice them to participate in the learning process.

Rule of thumb characteristics are as follows:

• Yappy Yellow and Raving Red are natural leaders and extroverts. They love attention and are noisy. When outside their comfort zone, they are driven by anger. Yellow loves people and having fun. They are disorganised and people-oriented. Red is task-oriented and can easily take over a class or situation, trying to control friends and teachers.



• Perfect Blue and Groovy Green are introverts and thinkers who prefer to hide away. Both can get depressed quickly and battle to get started on projects - Blue because of his perfectionism and Green because he chooses not to become involved in anything. Blue and Green are driven by fear when things do not go their way. Blue is task-driven and plans to perfection, while Green is disorganised and fears conflict to any degree.

Teachers should hone in on students' fundamental needs to get the most out of each temperament. It is essential to give Yellow and Red opportunities to be on stage and to lead while encouraging Blue and Green to share their ideas and insights. The two introvert types often have solutions to problems but will not think of sharing them for fear of becoming involved or being shunned.

All four temperaments need recognition, but the way to give it differs. A sensitive teacher will consider each student's personality to connect authentically.