Everyone loves a great day of teaching, but there are definitely times when I need a reminder why I chose to be a teacher and also a reminder that I have MANY more years of teaching to come if I stick with this. Today, I had a quiet moment with a student while the rest of the class was entering and causing chaos like they always do the first 5 minutes of class. The student told me he got kicked out of his house early this morning and was left wandering the streets for hours before school started. He now isn't sure who he'll live with (friend, relative, who knows) and he just wanted me to know in case he doesn't show up on Monday. It's amazing what it feels like when you hear a student tell you something like this. I felt so sad, angry, helpless and moved by this. This is one of many stories I have heard about the difficult lives these kids live. As much as I can understand to a certain extent, I will never truly relate. I look out at my "audience" of students each day and see looks in their faces that tell me they've had it rough before they got to school that day. I know I get frustrated with their attitudes and lack of motivation day in and day out, but I also like to take time to remind myself that they probably have a LOT more going on than I'll ever know.
On a happy note, I'm starting to learn more that students love doing things for their teacher, I just have to ask. I know it sounds so basic, but I guess I never thought to verbalize it. I had a broken stapler and was frustrated with it so I vocalized it the other day and the next day, there was a brand new one on my desk as a present. I also wanted a new bathroom pass since the other broke. I asked for a student volunteer and I immediately had several hands shoot up, but one of my students actually brought me a pass the other day and told me he had worked on it in wood shop class for the past week or so now. Students love to help even if you've punished them multiple times, they will most likely help you when asked.
No comments:
Post a Comment