The early reader book was one he seemed to like. In part because it was repetitive with pictures so he could read it. He loved it in part because he had a big sister. He flipped through the book reading, “My big sister likes to sing. My big sister likes to cook. My big sister likes to dance.”
The next part of our work together was to practice writing some of the words and make our way up to writing a full sentence. This last part was harder. But then I asked him what does your big sister like to do? We could write and draw that. He often choses drawing as his positive break, so I knew time to create would win him over. And so soon “My big sister likes to dye her hair.” filled the white board. He also moved on to write and draw, “My big sister loves to shop.”
It was a good moment for us both. The day had been hard with him ripping up papers and running from the classroom. For him to write two complete sentences felt huge. He wanted to write these sentences about someone he loved. Yes, so much of life and teaching is all about our relationships.
I am so grateful for the teachers and staff at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School where I am working as paraprofessional with third and fourth graders. The teachers give so much of themselves every day to their kids who come with their own unique gifts and challenges. According to the US News and World Education Report the school’s minority student enrollment is around 55% and 82% of our kids are economically disadvantaged. And yet the resilience of these kids inspires me every day. I get to listen to a bit of their stories as I take them on focus walks or help them with their math. There is something special about every single kid.
It has been hard in the current political environment not to get discouraged. It seems we are living in a country with two completely different world views. Being with the kids and staff at Myers grounds me and keeps me going.
Last week a friend, who also happens to be a paraprofessional, sent me a poem by John Roedel. It spoke to my heart. Roedel wrote,
Whenever I feel helpless
In this overwhelming world
I become a helper
Oh, oh
My love
On the days
When it feels like
I have no power
I serve others
You see,
Whenever I wash
The world’s feet
My hands
Immediately
Stop shaking
Yes, it all really is about relationships. What would you write on a white board about someone you love?
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