A Little Child Shall Lead Them
By Dr. Marci
Teaching can have some dull days and naturally some bright days. In all my years of teaching, I have learned several things about my students, and I am encouraged to meet them where they are on the learning curve.
Two weeks ago, I welcomed a new student who was also an English Language Learner (ELL). This student had never attended school, so things were difficult for him – it was difficult for me as well, but I was determined to see the good in him and as it was, cater to him so he could feel special and be included in part of our learning community. I wanted to run the race with patience, so that I can finish strong. I needed to stay in my lane, so that I won’t be disqualified. I wanted to see how I could help him to learn at least one thing. The days for me were slow and I knew that the ELL teacher was also struggling but giving up was not an option.
On the third Monday, after he came to my class, the security officer came to my room with him and said he was left at the school compound 7:15 a.m. in the cold. During the day, it seemed as if the light bulb turned on and as I sat with him, he seemed to be catching on to some of the things that were being taught. This was exciting to me since I was seeing a light and he was also seeing a light. Fast forward to the end of the day and I was told that he was switching schools because of his address. He was going to another school in the district because he lived closer to that school. I made an announcement to the class, and I could see his face drop. I asked him what was wrong, and he said that he didn’t want to leave the class because it was “nice here”. Well, like clockwork one of the other students said that she had a speech she wanted to make. So, I allowed her to give her speech and it went like this, “John, I want you to know that wherever you go, you will always be in our hearts, and you also make new friends. Don’t worry you will be okay.” My mouth dropped open because I didn’t expect the speech to be so emotional and on point. Before I could say anything four other students went to hug him (the student who was leaving us) and another student was telling them to be careful because COVID-19 was still present. Believe me I hardly had any time to say or do anything, I was in awe. My preaching of showing kindness and being a caring community was paying off!! I was winning my race; I kept the faith, and my patience was paying off. These first graders told me reassured me that this was a good day too. I could go home feeling happy! John was leaving but he knew that he was loved by this group of learning community.
