As a third grade teacher, I deal with the personalities of 8 and 9 year old boys and girls each and every day. Since I have been working with this age group for give years. You would think I would be used to their silly humor by now. My class this year in particular is an incredible group of students. The chemistry between all of them just "works." It isn't always like this for any teacher, but when it does happen, you are so thankful for that particular year, the stars have aligned in your favor. I actually look forward to going to work to see these kids each and every day. They make teaching fun!
The bond that I have with this group of kids is special. They are compassionate and so aware of the world. They are also very much interested in their teacher. Like any good teacher, you set limits. They don't need to know everything about you, but just enough to understand that you're human and have a life outside of the walls of the school. In the beginning of the year, my students had asked me when my birthday was, and how old I was. I made them guess my age at the time (29), and they told me that 29 is not too old. I immediately loved them forever! ;)
They knew the great countdown to 30 had begun. When my birthday arrived, they made sure to have handwritten notes and cards to celebrate my big day. One of the cards in the picture above highlights a students words of thanks. She tells me that she'll never forget how I was there for her when her grandmother died, and that I'll always have a special spot in her heart. My. heart. melted.
We don't give these kids enough credit. They are so much aware of the world around them. They know who is going to be on their side and who isn't. With the outcries against Common Core and everything else attached to the negativity in education at the moment, my question is: when will everyone stop the fighting and realize that each and every data point stands for someone's child? A son or daughter...someone with an identity who is trying to navigate through this crazy world, grow up into a successful adult and be a contributing member to our society. Each data point has a life...that data point is living through so much.
This special child's card was the nudge I needed to remember...it's all about the kids. We all need that reminder every once and a while.
Thank you to the little miss who sits in my class with a smile on her face each day. She speaks her mind and speaks from her heart. You are an unforgettable student. xo
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