Last Week

This is the last week of school for my son. As many of you know, I have taken a year off of teaching and have struggled with being out of the classroom. Life leads you down certain paths for a good reason though. This path has led me to an amazing teacher and now friend. Across the hall from my son's classroom is another Kindergarten teacher. When she heard that I was a teacher, she quickly invited me into her classroom and had me working with children. Her eagerness to have my help filled a teaching void and allowed me to enjoy my year off.

While working in Mrs. D's classroom, I met a young boy who came from a challenging home. We've all had these children in our classroom...they look like they just rolled out of bed, they are covered in dirt, smell like smoke, and have non-healthy lunches. This poor boy's troubles don't stop there though...he struggles with retaining information, making connections with others, filtering out noises, and focusing on a task. These children always seem to be my favorites at the end of the year. This little man is no exception.

I walked into T's school last week, ready to work with "my" kidlets in Mrs. D's classroom. As I entered the room, my little friend K met me with a smile and a gentle hug. His sleep deprived eyes were sagging but his eyes twinkled like a star struggling to be seen. "Can you read to me today?", he eagerly asked. I smirked and gave my head a nod. As we settled into our corner on the floor, he said that he had a surprise for me. I asked if he'd like to read first or tell me the surprise first. He said that the surprise could wait.

K has struggled with remembering his letter sounds and blending for many months. He has the skill one moment and forgets it the next. Today was a beautiful reading day. After finishing each sentence, he would flash me a smile. I would give him a high five and push him to read more. My eyes got a little misty as I watched my kiddo's confidence soar. He had come such a long way and I was so very proud of him.

After our time together finished, he began to giggle.

"What are those giggles for silly?", I asked.

"I passed all my tests (DIBELs testing)...I get to go to first grade." The words jumped from his mouth. Then he curled his arms around my legs and gave me a huge hug. "Thank you for helping me.", he whispered.

"Thank you buddy, for working so hard. I'm so glad I got to work with you. You are one very special guy.", I choked out, trying not to burst into tears.

One moment shared, and one that I will never forget. Teaching really is a rewarding job and I'm thankful every day that I get the honor of doing it.