I recently took a position as a long term substitute in 4th grade at the school I attended... in the 4th grade. It has been a whirlwind experience in the short three days I have been there. I am already snuggled tightly on my couch, under a fleece blanket, enjoying the snow day we were granted. My fourth day on the job and I already find myself reveling in the perks of being a teacher. But the list of perks doesn't end there. Over the last few days, I have gotten the chance to observe the classroom teacher who is leaving to have her first baby, and see the connection she holds with each of her students. It has been magical to witness the passion and knowledge that lives in Room 106. The students give off a flashing light of love for their classroom and their school that was apparent in the letters they wrote me. In their letters they described their excitement to meet me and show me around the school (unbeknownst to them, I remember most secret corridors and hidden charm of the building) and they didn't hesitate to give me some insight into their personal interests. Many of them love science and reading, have siblings that are "annoying", play sports and instruments, love to travel and play with friends.
As I was reading these letters, something occurred to me about the 4th grade. They are little people. They have zest and imagination that I love to find in my peers at age 26, but that is far more powerful than any adult I've ever met. They hang on my every word and tell stories as if it's the last one they may ever tell. This vibe I am catching from these 4th graders is one I know is going to set me up for the rest of my career. As overwhelmed as I am with all that I have ahead of me for the rest of the school year, the one driving factor is the abundance of love and respect in this classroom. The lesson planning, assessing, grading, disciplining, and managing are all pieces of the puzzle but the puzzle is worth the building for these little people.
