Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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.

13 comments:

  1. This brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful opportunity, and a story beautifully told! These are the very moments why we teach!

    I also love that the teacher welcomed you in as part of her classroom. Such a great opportunity!

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  2. This was touching. I am so glad for both of you.

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  3. You have made such a difference in this little one's life! I hope he continues to find support in school. This was a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. What a wonderful story...and proves that a teacher may take a year off, but they always find ways to teach. I really liked the paragraph where you walked into the room and he met you and asked you to read with him. There was something so gentle and hopeful about it...you really brought us into the room. Thanks for sharing

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  5. I love that he wanted to read first. It shows how special your time with him was and what it meant to him. I'm so impressed with the power of belief and time in a young person's life.

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  6. What a special moment! He knew you believed in him. That is what every kid needs -- just one to believe. Makes all the difference in the world.

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  7. Wow -- the way you crafted this moment is exceptional. In fact, I'm swiping the tears away from my eyes. This profession is an honor, isn't it?

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  8. My favorite moment is the whisper. I was whispering a quiet thank you to you as well. I find it especially pleasing that you started off your slice with an explanation of how this experience was a gift to you that helped you get through the year, rather than explaining the reality of how giving you were to spend your time with this boy. You are both better for the experience!

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  9. Your writing about "K" brought to mind a kiddo of mine. I'll be with him this summer at summer school but I will miss having such a helper like you.

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  10. C Rush said what I was thinking. Thank you for sharing this and also for being the kind of person you are.

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  11. Thank you for sharing. I'm still teary. It's why we teach. Very well written.

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  12. It's a perfect example of that slice of life we treasure. And-it's quite wonderful that you actually did so much while taking time off-what a gift you gave! Your use of details is always just right, Elisabeth.

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  13. Your kiddo is lucky to have you! I read a post by Tony Keefer~This is Why I Teach it reminds me of your post, my comment to Tony would fit well here too! ...it's who I am,it's what I do, I am a teacher 24/7-PROUDLY!
    Tony's post if youu'd like to read it!
    http://keeferto.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/this-is-why-i-teach.html

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