A Positive Change

Today, in my language arts classroom, our discussion turned to volunteering time for those in need.   Students spent time in class connecting their lives to the lives of the characters in our anthology story.  Sometimes, as a teacher, you hear a student begin a story and you just know it's gonna take a while.  I had that initial feeling with one particular student, but chose to refrain, because this child needs to be heard. 

The child shared that he/she and his/her family were walking to eat dinner one night and was apporached by a homeless "hobo".  This child offered his/her own personal money to this stranger, not even knowing the good that he/she did for that person that day.  With details left aside from this child's particular story, it sometimes takes me a day with my kiddos in a classroom disucssion about "hobos" to get back to what really matters: listening to how innocent and wonderful children truly are. At the end of this child's story, others piped up that this individual had made a great choice.  I saw the self-esteem boost waaaaaay up, so I threw my initial plan book ideas out the window and we continued our conversations of helping others, especially those who are in need.

I let this instance play back in my head again and again today.  I am sometimes caught in a rut, and it takes refreshing days like today to remember why I do this job, and why I put myself and my loved ones aside when I stay later and later to get work done.  Some of these children are not appreciated.  Some of their families see them just as a nusance and another mouth to feed and body to clothe.  Some parents don't provide their children any support at home.  This is where I come in.  Besides teaching the ABC's and 123's, I teach students that what they have to say is important.  Students' personal connections to the classroom are necessary and should always be appreciated.  No matter how outlandish the story.

In addition to today's discussion, I thought of two recent news videos that have captured the good in others.  In the midst of election slander, it's delightful to see videos such as these below.  If you have time, watch both of these.  Both sure made me feel better.  I am thankful for a positive change.

Teen With Cerebral Palsy: Homecoming King

High School Students Salute Veterans on their Day Off

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

Harriet Beecher Stowe