Little People
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.
I thought that I had posted a comment... but it didn't show... so let me try again... maybe it did show up somewhere else? Anyway--- what a rewarding feeling to be accepted into the classroom community! It makes going to work so much more fun when you know that these little people are looking forward to your presence. It's hard not to feel overwhelmed but through technology you'll be able to become a connected educator and created a PLN of people who will support you, inspire you, and ignite a fire your belly to be the best teacher ever!
ReplyDeleteYou can feel your heart smiling in this post. It is so amazing to feel how happy you are about you new journey. It helps that you have a group of kids that have embraced and accepted you as there own. When I was in school, I was a nightmare to the new teachers just go see if they were truly cut out for the job. I know that that wasn't the best idea now, but when you are a kid you test all boundaries. I want to apologize for those students that you may have in your class that have the same mindset that I did. Good luck on your new journey!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your title! How inviting :) It is so great that you have this experience, observing other teachers while you sub yourself. If these moments don't make someone all warm and fuzzy, teaching isn't for them. I was a sub and a Para before teaching, and it shows you some great things that no other course can give you. Sure, teaching has its tough and stressful times, but its things like these - the funny stories, acknowledgment from other staff, and the little notes a student leaves you when they finally 'get it' or tell you how much you made a difference - these are why we do what we do. It becomes very apparent that 'teaching' is not a 'job', it's a way life! Welcome to the club :)
ReplyDeleteLove the title. Great way to attract people to your blog. Congratulations on surviving your first few days. Enjoy the journey!
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