...but someone has to do it, and I wouldn't change it for they world!!!!
All right so I know it has been a while but between the holidays, wedding planning, snow and make-up days.....let's just say things got crazy! But I am back and the wonder of my students still keeps me in awe!
As I am beginning my mini (very mini) poetry unit, I polled my students to see who hates poetry. To my dismay, but not my surprise, almost every hand shot up. Except of course the three super smart kids in the corner who, instead of drawing, write poetry on their notebooks (I can totally relate)! In an effort to get them to understand that poetry isn't really that bad, I started with one of the greatest poets of all time...Dr. Seuss of course!!!! Being 8th graders, and almost high schoolers, I started with the fan favorite "Oh the Places You Will Go!" I read it to each of my classes but my 4th period is the one that caught my attention. I have some goof balls in this class, I have some above average kids, I even have some who will pay attention (some), but most of all I have students who just need love and encouragement. As I was reading, I glanced out at them and saw that they were wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats. When the character came across a high, they were smiling big; when the character came across a low, they deflated; and at the end...they stood up and clapped. It was amazing to me. But what was even more amazing was the way they acted when I told them that this book is more than just a poem. I told them that this book makes me see the potential in each and every one of them. I told them that I know they will go very far and, just like in the book, will "move mountains". I didn't think anything of this statement until I looked up and saw their faces. They were shocked. It was in that moment that I realized something...some of these children have never had anyone, outside of a teacher, say something like that to them. A lot of them don't have the typical "nuclear" family. Some don't have families at all. And every day I find out something even more shocking about their home lives. Every day that I teach, my eyes are open even more. Trust me, there are days when I just want to cry, days when I want to scream out of frustration, and days that I just want to quit. But it is days like today that I know my students need me. They need me to hug them, they need me to encourage them, they need me to tell them that they matter. And beyond that...I need them. I need them to make me smile, to encourage me, to make , laugh and even make me cry. Because even when I cry, I am happy...happy to know that I love these crazy kids enough to elicit tears. So at the end of the day just remember one thing....no matter how crazy they are or how mad they make you, your students need you because sometimes you are the only person that day to show that you care; to show that you love them. |
AuthorI have been an 8th grade teacher for 5 years. Although this is a short amount of time, I have seen and heard things that will make anyone laugh, or cry.Teaching can be a very stressful profession but it is one that I wouldn't trade for the world. Archives
February 2016
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