love.
I love my students.
After coming back from spring break there was a new attitude from most of the students. An attitude of excitement and of overall calm.
I missed them. Today I realised how much I liked them. Almost all of them now. In the beginning I only really liked a few students. Now the ones I used to hate behave differently. In the beginning of the school year I didn't know them. Now I do. Now I know to ask "Did you see your Dad over the break?" to Jasmine or "Did you apply for that job at Payless?" to Shaneek. It's a whole different story now that I have gotten to know them personally. They still swear in my class and throw paper balls, but when I look at them they apologize and I hardly have to write any kids up anymore.
Even LaParis who, in the last entry I wrote, had taken all the folders out of the cabinet and thrown them on the floor. The day after that incident I told her we needed to talk before she came back in the class. "I know" she said "I'm sorry. I just got real frustrated." I told her it was okay. That was all I needed to hear. I know these kids have a difficult time controlling their feelings. I just want to know they aren't doing it maliciously.
I care about them now. A lot.
After coming back from spring break there was a new attitude from most of the students. An attitude of excitement and of overall calm.
I missed them. Today I realised how much I liked them. Almost all of them now. In the beginning I only really liked a few students. Now the ones I used to hate behave differently. In the beginning of the school year I didn't know them. Now I do. Now I know to ask "Did you see your Dad over the break?" to Jasmine or "Did you apply for that job at Payless?" to Shaneek. It's a whole different story now that I have gotten to know them personally. They still swear in my class and throw paper balls, but when I look at them they apologize and I hardly have to write any kids up anymore.
Even LaParis who, in the last entry I wrote, had taken all the folders out of the cabinet and thrown them on the floor. The day after that incident I told her we needed to talk before she came back in the class. "I know" she said "I'm sorry. I just got real frustrated." I told her it was okay. That was all I needed to hear. I know these kids have a difficult time controlling their feelings. I just want to know they aren't doing it maliciously.
I care about them now. A lot.
posted by teacher | Monday, April 09, 2007
2 Comments:
Awwwww. This is one of the best entries ever. I know your job can be really difficult and frusturating and it's so refreshing to see the amazing attitude you have.
you've gotten me all watery. it's great that you've endeared yourselves to each other. that you've connected. it's the only way to get through life.
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