Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sweet moments

This week was busy, but very good.  As I think back, there are a few moments that stick out in my mind. These were both times when I felt greatly encouraged and affirmed of my work here.  The first moment took place on back to school night.  I was busy in my classroom getting everything ready.  I stayed at school to print out packets for the parents and to display and organize student work.  As I was preparing, I walked past the playground.  Students that are not picked up after school go there until their ride comes.  One of my students was there playing.  When he saw me, he ran over and gave me a hug.  He then asked if I needed help in my classroom.  He came in for a bit and then went back outside.  About an hour later, he walked back in.  I was busy working on lesson plans at my desk and by the time I looked back up, he was walking out the door.  I wasn't quite sure why he had come in until a few minutes later when I found a white rose bud sitting on the stool at the front of my classroom.  He peeked his head back in about ten minutes later to check and see if I had seen it yet.  This thoughtful gesture made me smile and reminded me of why I absolutely love teaching.  It is such an honor and privilege to be someone that kids look up to and adore.  They bring so much joy to my life!

The other moment took place after school.  I have started helping students after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.  I am working to provide additional support in order to help with foundational concepts.  One first grader I have been helping has wonderful ideas when it comes to writing, but she's struggling with writing the correct letters.  It's difficult to read her writing and she becomes discouraged when trying to read it out loud.  I sat down with her and worked with her on letter sounds and stretching out words when writing.  She completed a piece of writing with me sitting next to her and she was applying the strategies I had taught her.  When her mom came to pick her up, she handed her mom her writing with a big smile on her face.  As her mom read it, I watched as tears started to stream down her cheeks.  When she finished reading it, she looked up at her mom and said, "Mom, why are you crying?" Her mom said, "because I could understand what you wrote!"  It's absolutely incredible to watch a child feel successful with something they've been struggling with.  I will never forget the smile on her face and the way she hugged her mother.

Check back again soon as I have lots to share.  I am greatly encouraged that you are reading this and I feel so supported!

3 comments:

  1. i love these stories! i love hearing how these children feel loved by you as well as taught by you. and i know so well how they are teaching you! thank you for sharing with us!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, Christy, I just got caught up on your blog. What inspiring and lovely moments you have written about. My heart hurts for all of you over the loss of the 3rd grader, I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Your writing speaks to my heart and reminds me how lucky and blessed I am to live where I do and to have a job teaching first graders. I love the joy and love your students show you and it is so refreshing that you can speak from your heart at your job. It makes me sad how "politically correct" we all have to be at our jobs here in the united states. I truly think it takes some of the humanity out of people and makes our jobs even more difficult. I so miss you and think of you often. I am sorry I have not written for a while. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of this, it means a lot. Your students look darling. Miss you my friend! Much love and hugs sent your way. The picture of mice on a stick....wow...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheryl, thank you so much for writing! I love knowing you are reading my posts and that we share a heart and a passion for teaching and for loving kids. I completely agree that there's a freedom in teaching here and I love speaking from my heart. I have seen such a contrast between what you are referring to about being "politically correct" in teaching in the states and teaching here. I am working to enjoy each and every day and not take anything for granted. Just remember, although it's difficult, you are making such a difference in your student's lives. I admire you and the work you are doing and I'm so thankful for you! Thank you also for the hugs and the prayers. I feel humbled as I feel I am learning and receiving so much from my students and the beautiful people here. I miss you and cannot wait to hear more about your school year!

    ReplyDelete