It's the end of week #2 of school! It's Friday! I have co-taught today with a lovely teacher. We have just completed six classes on research skills. Phew...we're exhausted. The kids are ready to move on to thoughts of football and a three-day weekend vacation! As we wrap these lessons up, I seek the big cozy chair at the front of the library. Waiting there is a former student with a bundle of joy, four weeks of age. As a single mom, she is happy but very busy. In walks another former student; she shares academic woes. College and life can be tough sometimes.
By now, the bell has ended the day! Rather than join the race to exit the parking lot, others drop by to say farewell, as the long three-day weekend approaches. One of these students shares her personal poetry that makes me shed a tear inside. I am touched by her writings and confidence. Another speaks his thoughts on teen issues! And yet another, seeks a parting hug of affirmation to last the weekend. Wow, there are so many stories happening here simultaneously in this small area of the library.
Each takes away a reassurance from these brief minutes together, maybe a lighter load after sharing with others, maybe just food for thought as they head to the weekend. And of course, my tired state of being has just been refreshed and re-energized. Why didn't I snap a photo of the old friends that dropped by? Next time.
These unscheduled moments are priceless, yet pass quickly. Classroom teaching is worthy and important. But it's these informal moments of sharing with students that are golden.
And thus, this is why being a teacher is wonderful!
Found you! This is such a neat, reflective post and indicative of our day-to-day lives as educators! Thanks for sharing...
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