For the past few weeks, testing has taken over my days at work and I haven't been able to keep some of my school-day commitments. Like working with the kids - my favorite. :) In particular, up until this recent testing, I had been working with two first grade boys (who I adore!) every Tuesday afternoon.
And I missed them. Their excitement, their big, questioning eyes, their zest for life. Everyday during bus duty one of the boys would say, "When are you going to come get us again?!" And I kept giving him a number - "5 more days!" And he'd count down.
Well, luckily (for me) I finished up testing this past Tuesday morning, and couldn't wait to get my first graders! I loved seeing their smiles when I picked them up from their classroom, I loved having them ask me over and over again, "Where have you been?!" I loved how they wanted to tell me all about their weekends.
But most of all, I love how when I'm working with them, they always look at me for reassurance. Like, I'll ask them a question, and while they try to figure it out, they'll peek at me from the corners of their big, brown eyes, trying to figure out if their guesses are on the right track. Trying to figure out if I'll yell out in excitement, or if a frown of disappointment will creep across my cheeks.
After we finished our math tutoring session on pennies, nickels, and dimes, we started the trek back to their classroom. We stopped at the secretary's desk because I wanted them to show off what they had mastered during our thirty minutes together.
"Ok," I said. "How much is a nickel worth?" And the little boy looked down at the floor, then slowly let his eyes drift toward my face - Oh those big brown eyes! And he had the right answer on the tip of his tongue, and I knew he had it... And I wanted to shout, "Say it! You've got it!" But I also want him to gain the confidence on his own. And he finally said the right answer, and there were cheers all around. And the secretary said, "Isn't it so cool how these children are always looking at us - at the adults - for guidance? For reassurance?" And that got me thinking...
They are always looking at us. Even when you least expect it, the kids are looking at YOU. Looking at you as an example, as a role model, as a leader, as a comfort, as a security blanket. Those innocent eyes (that may not always seem so innocent!) never stop looking at us. And we can't ever forget how important we are to those big, brown eyes...
Don't Forget!
-March 17th - March Madness Dads' Basketball Game
-March 21st - 3rd Quarter Science Test
-March 22nd - 3rd Quarter Reading Test
-March 23rd - 3rd Quarter Math Calculator Active Test
-March 24th - 3rd Quarter Math Calculator Inactive Test
-March 25th - 3rd Quarter Test Make-Ups
-March 25th - End of 3rd Quarter
-April 6th - 4th Grade On-Demand Writing Task
-April 21st - Kindergarten Screening
-April 29th - Spring Fling!
No comments:
Post a Comment