But a moment
Today as I was meandering through the hallway, I saw a student of mine. He looked lost and not himself. He saw me and looked as though he forgot my name.... Mrs... uhhhh " I piped in- Benson" ya ya "Benson, sorry I forgot, I actually wanted to tell you that I won't really be participating in class today"... ."Why is that?".. "I got robbed last night"
As I sat there in disbelief- I couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling. How vulnerable and betrayed he felt as someone came into his home; the only place he considers a sanctuary from the world. They were thoughtless and selfish to take the things he held dear.
It made me realize that these students of mine are facing things that are beyond themselves. They are sitting in my class, trying to pay attention, participate and do well in my class when all of these things are happening around them. How can I expect them to do all of this, WHILE dealing with the heartbreak that they are facing? And some are dealing with it every single day. You also have to keep in mind, this is ONE student out of the entire school. With that thought in mind, I've made a conscious effort to make my classroom a place where students can come and forget about the awful and hateful world that happens outside of my door. I ask the students to tell me about their lives, I ask them everyday how they are doing. I crack jokes, I embarrass myself, and sometimes I even dance. Laughter is my favorite piece of medicine. Day in and day out I need and want my kids to laugh & or smile at some point in my class. It makes everyone's day a little more chipper and bright.
I challenge you, whoever you are, and whatever you do for work; make the environment and your attitude something people look forward to be apart of, something they can hold onto when things in the world aren't right for them. So they know when they see you, their day can be a little more chipper and bright... even if it be but a moment.
As I sat there in disbelief- I couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling. How vulnerable and betrayed he felt as someone came into his home; the only place he considers a sanctuary from the world. They were thoughtless and selfish to take the things he held dear.
It made me realize that these students of mine are facing things that are beyond themselves. They are sitting in my class, trying to pay attention, participate and do well in my class when all of these things are happening around them. How can I expect them to do all of this, WHILE dealing with the heartbreak that they are facing? And some are dealing with it every single day. You also have to keep in mind, this is ONE student out of the entire school. With that thought in mind, I've made a conscious effort to make my classroom a place where students can come and forget about the awful and hateful world that happens outside of my door. I ask the students to tell me about their lives, I ask them everyday how they are doing. I crack jokes, I embarrass myself, and sometimes I even dance. Laughter is my favorite piece of medicine. Day in and day out I need and want my kids to laugh & or smile at some point in my class. It makes everyone's day a little more chipper and bright.
I challenge you, whoever you are, and whatever you do for work; make the environment and your attitude something people look forward to be apart of, something they can hold onto when things in the world aren't right for them. So they know when they see you, their day can be a little more chipper and bright... even if it be but a moment.
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