It hit me like a ton of bricks how much I love my kiddos and how blessed I am to have each and every one of them in my life. Don't get me wrong, as I have always loved my kiddos since the first day they came into my life. But as we were all sitting together at a table in our classroom practicing writing our letters, I look around the table and couldn't help but be overcome by the incredible little ones that I have the privilege of spending time with.
I know that I have taught my kiddos so much...how to hold a pencil, how to write letters and numbers, to count, to read, to use our words when we are upset, how to stand nicely in line, using a tissue to wipe our noses, etc. Those are all very important things for these little ones to learn. As I look at the progress that is measured in their IEP goals and the student work hanging on the bulletin board, I can't help but be proud that I helped them accomplish those things with valuable "tools" for their toolboxes.
However, as I was working with them today, I was overcome with a sense of love that can only be experienced when you are a teacher. They were practicing their letters on their papers...for many students this is a skill they have worked so hard to do.
One of my little kinder boys who was sitting next to me, looked up at me and said "Miss B, I love you. I'm writing my letters. Beautiful right? I like them. I hungry. Tummy is hungry. We have animal crackers now?"
My eyes began to water. He came to me not long ago and wasn't able to write any letters, and is now able to trace without any hand over hand assistance. This is huge for him!
As one tear spilled over and ran down my face, this little kiddo put his hand on mine and smiled and said once again that he loved me. This is the same thing I do when any of the kiddos are crying..whether it be a skinned knee, hurt feelings or they broke their crayon.
He then promptly said "Animal crackers make you feel better. Yuuuuuummmmy!" He then burst into the most adorable laughter ever.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter as well as I got up and got the fresh bag of chocolate animal crackers out for our afternoon snack.
While I prepare differentiated lessons each day for these kiddos and teach them valuable skills, they teach me more about life, love and being yourself.
I have read countless articles, blogs and books that explore different aspects and avenues of living your life, loving your life and being completely who you are. I have also had wonderful conversations with friends and even strangers about these three things as well. While I gained great insight through reading these things and having these deep, thought provoking conversations, I learn more from my kiddos.
Let me give you another example:
Student 1 is carrying his sweater while we are walking from the water fountain to our classroom and decides to put it around his shoulders like it was a scarf. He had a smile on his face that clearly stated to the world that he thoroughly enjoyed this new found fashionable look.
Students 2 and 3 from another class walk by, look at the student, and have quiet snickers to one another.
Student 1 looks at them; he then turns his head back to watch where he is walking. Instead of being upset and crying, or saying something mean to the other students, he puts an even bigger smile on his face and begins to laugh.
I look at him puzzled. I honestly thought he would be upset by the other students laughing. I asked him, "Oh goodness, something sure made you laugh! What are you laughing about?"
Student 1 looks at me and says, "They like my sweater. They like it because I am a rock star!"
He toddles off into our classroom and promptly goes to his square on the front rug.
I stood there silent. Dumbfounded. If someone were to walk past me and snicker, I would immediately think that they were making fun of me. I would be hurt and upset. But he simply had the positive thought that they liked his "scarf" because it made him look like a rock star.
His outlook was positive. He believed without a doubt that those kids were being nice and there was no way that their laughing was meant in an ill-mannered way.
This student loves himself for who he is. He has a genuine love for life. That childlike outlook is something that many of us once had, but unfortunately lost so long ago. But why?
As I stood there I was overcome with happiness of how this little person just taught me an extremely important and very much needed life lesson.
While I was focused on teaching academics and social skills, my students taught me about life.
How blessed am I?? Blessed beyond measure.
I have had my moments of homesickness and feeling lost since moving out here. But moments like this one put everything into perspective. I have wondered why on earth God brought me to this place, and in little moments like these, God reveals that these kids are why I am here. He brought me here because these little ones needed me and I needed them.
