Today I was again reminder of why I'm a teacher. First of all I was at school from 9:00-2:30 during my summer not getting paid but setting up my room to make it beautiful and loving every minute. Then I went to the Dollar Tree and spent $37 on some fabulous back to school and treasure box items. I mean I don't think other people really spend that much at the Dollar Tree but I was pumped to get such deals.
Last I am reminded of the real reason I teach--the children. I logged on to RAZ kids today to change my name and update my profile for the new school year. I checked my list of students to see who has been logging on over the summer and reading. All 19 of my students from last year had logged in to read over the summer! I couldn't believe it! All my kids wanted to read over the summer. It made me so happy. One name in particular made me jump for joy and brought me to tears all at the same time.
I had a student last year in foster care who had a terrible life and needed lots of love, care, encouragement, and counseling. He used to throw fits of rage which many times would lead to him trying to hurt/kill himself and the other students had to leave the room. He was then adopted right before Christmas last year by his maternal grandparents and went to live with them in North Carolina.
Needless to say homework was not a priority in his life. His safety, care, and basic needs needed to be met before he could care about homework. He would sit in my room in the morning to finish his homework. Nothing was ever signed or came back from home. No work was ever done at home.
I've often wondered what happen to him since he left me. I pray that he is loved, cared for, and leading a good life all the time. So when I saw that over the summer he actually logged in to our classes RAZ kids and read 4 books I was stunned. For me it confirmed that life is better for him. He is being taken care of and wanted to read.
I love that I instilled a love of reading in my students but I'm proud about this child in particular. I feel like I made a difference in his life.
Thank you for the reminder little buddy of why I truly came into teaching. To make a difference in students lives no matter how brief our time is together. It warmed my heart.
Oh my goodness, I have goosebumps! What a powerful story. I work in an inner city environment and have had a lot of kids over the years whose home lives made it so tough for them to care about school at all...because as you said, their basic needs weren't being met at all. How awesome for that little guy that he is somewhere that he is being loved, cared for and wants to read. Bless his little heart...and yours too. Because clearly he remembers that you cared. ♥
ReplyDeleteRaye
The Caffeinated Teacher
Thank you so much for taking the time to read. It means so much to me.
DeleteThis post literally brought tears to my eyes. I had a student just like this last year. He moved from my school mid year because of homeless issues, but I am constantly thinking and praying about him. That's really awesome that your student read 4 books and has people in his life that are helping and loving him. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNesli
Second Grade With The Teacher Wears Prada
I was crying while writing it and it was both happy and sad tears. Glad other teachers can relate. Our profession can be heartbreaking because it is so personal.
DeleteHow incredible! You obviously touched this little boy's life and made a difference. I work at in inner-city school and often see children in similar situations as you described. The best thing you can do is love them and show that you care & you did that for him.
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome that you work with inner-city students. I worked in a low socio-enconomic school for two years and it wears on you. I moved on to another school in a nice suburb. I think after two years in an "A" school I was shocked to see this kind of student in this environment. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThat is SO awesome!! I have one student from two years ago that I still think about often wondering how he is doing. Sometimes it really is the simple things in teaching- showing students that you care and giving them real skills they need in live.
ReplyDeleteJessica
Apples and Papers
Your right something it is just the simple things in teaching. I wish policy makers would understand how important it is to show children real skills and love before they can learn other things.
DeleteThat's wonderful! What a great post. Kuddos to you for motivating your kiddos to continue reading this summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read.
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