Tuesday, November 22, 2016
I Will Be the Teacher They Are Thankful For
Since today was the last day before their Thanksgiving break, the second graders were given a turkey with four feathers. The feathers were supposed to have at least one thing on them that the children were thankful for. A lot of the kids were putting my CT's name down. As I probably mentioned before in my introductory blog, my CT said most of these kids come from poverty and/or traumatic backgrounds. That being said, the school is their safe haven from anything they experiencing outside of the institutional walls. If anything, this actually inspired me to continue to go be an elementary school teacher. I know I want to be there for at least one kid per school year no matter what it is going their lives. This is because I have gone through some tough situations myself, and I know how hard it is to feel like you are doing it alone. I will be the teacher they are thankful for.
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I love this post Katie! It can be so sad to hear what is going on in these children's lives. A lot of them seem to have ever-changing situations, whether it is going from mom's to dad's and back again, or not knowing when they will get to see a family member. School does provide some structure for these students and is something they can count on. As teachers, it is our job to care about these students beyond the academics. I believe with the compassion you have for students, they will be overflowing with gratitude for you!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I thank you sincerely for your kind message. I truly believe in the whole idea that you can make a difference by just showing someone you care. Secondly, that response was beautifully said, Melissa! It is truly our job to make sure the children know their life may be in a disarray, but we are there for them no matter how chaotic this may get. Lastly, I know with how you understand others is going to be that magic touch the children are going to need.
DeleteI noticed that on Tuesday there was a lot of anxiety in the classroom. There are many kids who don't want to be home for a long period of time because of their home lives. It is very hard to hear about the tough experiences that some of the students have to deal with. It's even harder knowing there is not much that you can do about their situation. All we can do is show them that we care about them. I'm glad that you have not been discouraged but rather inspired.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry that it took me so long to get back to you, Courtney! It is definitely something that bothers me since I cannot imagine what some of their home lives are like. However, that is why we have to make sure their school lives as positive as possible. We are going to be that guiding light in their darkness, so I am ready to do whatever I can to make sure they know they are not alone.
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