I learned that sometimes bad things happen to children in classrooms across America. This book made me think about the power of our words and actions. Our impact on the lives of children is tremendous. They remember and we remember forever! I think some of the things that happened in this book help me to understand that defensive and negative parent who seems to hate education.
My sister, who teaches in our middle school system, told me of a troubled student she had this year. This student had an alcoholic mother. He basically had a bad outlook on life and school in general. He wouldn't do any work, yet he could pass tests without studying. My sister took the time to talk to him to find out what he wanted in life. She encouraged him to do his work and at the same time she didn't downplay the bad situation he found himself in. She encouraged him to rise above and reach for his goals. He began to do his work and ended up passing her class, however he didn't do as well in other classes. She had a tremendous impact in his life, all because she took the time to make him think. A couple of weeks ago, she saw him and his girlfriend at the beach. They both came up to her and hugged her. I think she is a teacher he will remember all his life.
Sorry, my computer is acting crazy so I had to post twice. I also wanted to say that although this book hasn't been my favorite, it reminded me that; like my sister, I too can have a great impact on my students when I take the time to care, respect, and motivate them to reach their highest potential. It gives me chills to think that when we are having a bad day ourselves and our words may be a little harsher than normal, we could possibly bring that student down. However, when we choose our words to uplift, we can have such a powerful impact on a child's life.
I learned that sometimes bad things happen to children in classrooms across America. This book made me think about the power of our words and actions. Our impact on the lives of children is tremendous. They remember and we remember forever! I think some of the things that happened in this book help me to understand that defensive and negative parent who seems to hate education.
ReplyDeleteMy sister, who teaches in our middle school system, told me of a troubled student she had this year. This student had an alcoholic mother. He basically had a bad outlook on life and school in general. He wouldn't do any work, yet he could pass tests without studying. My sister took the time to talk to him to find out what he wanted in life. She encouraged him to do his work and at the same time she didn't downplay the bad situation he found himself in. She encouraged him to rise above and reach for his goals. He began to do his work and ended up passing her class, however he didn't do as well in other classes. She had a tremendous impact in his life, all because she took the time to make him think. A couple of weeks ago, she saw him and his girlfriend at the beach. They both came up to her and hugged her. I think she is a teacher he will remember all his life.
ReplyDeleteSorry, my computer is acting crazy so I had to post twice. I also wanted to say that although this book hasn't been my favorite, it reminded me that; like my sister, I too can have a great impact on my students when I take the time to care, respect, and motivate them to reach their highest potential. It gives me chills to think that when we are having a bad day ourselves and our words may be a little harsher than normal, we could possibly bring that student down. However, when we choose our words to uplift, we can have such a powerful impact on a child's life.
ReplyDelete