Guess what? No, not chicken butt! I had a student say that to me this week. It was really hard not to laugh hilariously. I had to tell him that some things are funny at home and some things are funny at school. I even told him that has been one of my favorite jokes since I was a kid. My little sister even has it on a T-shirt. Anyway, he apologized and I haven't heard it again.
Guess what? When I walk through the door Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday it isn't about me. It is about the owlets in my nest. Period. They think I'm beautiful. When I don't wear make-up, I'm still beautiful. When I wear socks with holes they don't care. Their smiles, hugs, laughter and learning are what matter to me when I get to school. Any problem that may have reared its ugly head at home is forgotten. I must give my whole heart to these learners, so they in turn can trust me to do what is right for them.
Some of our students may not have had breakfast. They may have to listen to parents fighting night after night or listen to worries about how they're going to make the money stretch a little further. Do they really need to hear about my bad day? Do they really need to be quiet because I'm going through a rough time? Nope! They need to know that I'm going to be the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. They need to trust that when I greet them at the door they are walking into a room where they are loved and valued.
I heard a speaker at the beginning of the year who gave some great advice. When a teacher starts to complain about a particular student, say, " I love that kid!"
Honestly, you probably do love that kid. If he's having a hard time at school, he needs you to love him. Even if he isn't in your class, you can change his world by loving him. You know the sad looking kid walking down the hall avoiding any and all eye contact. Make a point of seeking him out each day and watch his countenance change. Show him the love in your heart...He probably needs to see it. That's why I chose this Carole King song as my Saturday Saying...
I love this Carole King song. I wake up singing it many mornings! Don't say, "Oh! It's easy for her to say!" It isn't always that easy. I battle depression. I've had my share of sadness. I've had struggles. Life is full of disappointment. The things that have been the hardest things for me to live through are also the things I've grown most from. Hardships can solidify our character either good or bad. Choose today to become more loving, more empathetic and more approachable! Be the teacher that shows love to EVERY student.
Head over to Forever in First to see some more Saturday Sayings!
Too bad the kid hadn't said, "Guess what? OWL butt!" I may have to allow that one!
Thanks for the great reminder about how much of an impact we have on our kiddos. It is so true that we can change our little ones' lives by loving them. Too often, I fall into that, "I'm having a bad day, so the kids better behave" mentality. I like the way you use the song to pump you up and keep you positive cause it is so important for us to care for each and every one of our students.
ReplyDeleteBecky
Compassionate Teacher
Jenny, this is beautiful. Every morning, it should be our prayer. Our little ones deserve it. Thank you again for reminding us of what's most important. I love your Saturday Sayings.
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
What a sweet reminder of how much of an influence we have on the lives of the students that come across our paths! So many of them need a positive consistent influence. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
This is completely and totally beautiful and very true. I want it posted on my hand so I don't forget.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
What a beautiful thought! Out students need our love every day. Carole King is a favorite of mine. I love to sing right along with her!
ReplyDeleteLiteracyMinute
Found your cute blog through the Saturday sayings!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the uplifting thought :)
Elizabeth
Kickin' it in Kindergarten
This is GREAT, Jenny and just what I needed to hear right now. I need to work on being more consistently happy in the classroom. I always start out happy and calm and patient, but somewhere through the day I start to feel a bit frazzled and it sometimes shows. Your "I love that kid!" idea is good, too. Thank you!
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
I thought about your post today and it really helped me stay calm and peaceful ALL day:))
DeleteHi Jenny! Thanks for the reminder! This time of year (with the bunch I have) I'm working really hard to remember how much I love teaching and love those kiddos.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Thank you so much! With all the craziness and hard times we all face, it's sometimes hard to keep our focus on the things that are important. I have a job I love, working with kids I love...who could ask for more? Certainly not me...I am blessed.
ReplyDeleteSmiles, Michele
The Lightbulb Lab
I love that song, too! And I agree wholeheartedly with what you wrote. I'm definitely not perfect, and I have days where my patience wears thinner than I'd like, but I do try to LOVE my kids. They ALL need to feel my love for them, no matter how tough they appear!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Sunday!
-Gayla
Teach On.
Wow! I needed this post.
ReplyDeleteThis past week has been one of those weeks where my patience is thin and my energy level is low. My students are angels but I haven't been feeling it. Thank you for the encouragement.
My favorite part was when you said: They need to trust that when I greet them at the door they are walking into a room where they are loved and valued.
I am taking your words to heart and becoming a better, more loving teacher on Monday Morning.
The Frizz
The Frizz in First Grade
I loved this post. It's a great reminder that even though we have hard days, we need to love all of our students.
ReplyDelete