We should always use our arms to wrap them around kids, not push them out. Sometimes in order to do that, it means stepping out of our comfort zone and current role, and throwing away every thing you thought you knew about teaching, to show up and be a champion for that child.
Let’s just say there are 45 adults at your school. If it only takes one caring adult to make a difference and be the change in a child’s life. Each child at your school has 45 chances to find that one adult. 45 chances. Yet, so many of our kids never find that one.
The difference between a child being a statistic and a success story is you– it’s me, it’s us.
Trust me, as someone who has missed so many opportunities to attempt to be a students champion due to stress and time, I get it’s hard to add more onto our plates… and in the middle of having the biggest caseload that i’ve had in my entire teaching career, with the smallest team I’ve ever had, in a chaotic environment, I decided to be a chance. Not because I had more time to spare but because this student was running out of time.
Last week, for the first time all year, I felt at peace. I received frustrating e-mails, meetings full of bad news, and lost a lot of planning/lunch time… but all those disappointments stopped mattering the minute I saw my new first grade buddy.
I might not end up being that one caring adult for him and that is okay with me but every child is worth a try… no matter how busy or stressful we feel like we are. At least for me, it brings a feeling of calmness in the middle of the storm.
Look around your school and find the naughtiest little one… or the saddest little one… it doesn’t matter what grade you teach, what your role is– nothing… and wrap your arms around them. Just say hi. Ask them if they’re hungry. Invite them for lunch. Write them a note… whatever you feel you are up too… because who knows, you might just be the one they need.
tuesday details
dress: forever 21 (size small) | boots: target (size 7.5) – similar |
earrings: target
wednesday details
shirt: teacher tee | jean jacket: old navy (size x-small)| pants: old navy – similar | shoes: old, h+m, similar | earrings: target
thursday details
top: loft (xsp) | jeans: nordstrom (size 24) | shoes: old navy (size 7.5) – similar | earrings: j.crew factory – similar | phone case: amazon
friday details
sweatshirt: target, old – similar (size x-small) | pants: loft (0p) | shoes: converse (size 7.5)
with kindness | ashley
