Something happened this year. It was new. I had guilt about it, major guilt. A student I couldn't connect with. I've always been able to find a way to love each child. I felt so bad that I had trouble connecting to him. He is a student that also struggles to connect. He struggles to problem solve and focus, but he is very bright with great potential. Motivation however, slim. I tried. I tried hooking him with different books, fun math games, writing geared toward his interests. Still. No. Connection.
Then today happened.
We were doing a ten frame math activity. He knew how to do the activity, not easy, but a good fit for his ability. He got right to work. What was different? I'll never know. He did his job. He showed me with a huge grin, as if to say, "See what I did!" I beamed. He beamed. We connected. I announced the accomplishment. When I make an announcement like this students know it is applause time. They applauded. He blushed. Grabbed his chest. Ran his hand over his head. Eyes bright. He was proud. I was too. I sent him to the office to show off. I was so proud of him, mostly because he was proud of himself. We hugged. I felt the love.
He will be featured on our school news program tomorrow for a job well done.
It was just a math activity, but it was so much more. We finally connected.
You didn't give up and it paid off! Thanks for sharing your "big thing" with us!
ReplyDeleteI love those moments! I especially like the part of this post where you describe how he grabbed his chest, ran his hand over his head, eyes bright. I could totally picture him.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we teach! That moment when everything feels right and so well worth all the struggles. I'm so glad you found this connection today and glad you were able to share it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to celebrate! I'm so glad you and this little guy found a connection. Who knows what will be next? :)
ReplyDeleteJust a math activity? Everything is "just a lesson" but that you finally made that connection! I hope all the pieces fall into place for him now that he knows you are probably one of his biggest fans!
ReplyDeleteA great moment for teacher and student - Bravo!
ReplyDeleteHooray! I love how you celebrated that moment in so many ways, so others could honor it too, and thus bring him farther into your community.
ReplyDeleteI have a student like this right now too, and I'm still waiting for that moment... Oh, I hope it comes...
It's hard when it takes time to find that connection moment but waiting was worth it for him and for you. It wasn't just a math activity, he found his entry in success. His entry in to being recognized and his entry for sharing what he can do. I wonder what tomorrow will look like for this little boy.
ReplyDeleteAnd a good day was had by all! Well done, Betsy!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear, Betsy. It's like you got a big, big hug today!
ReplyDeleteThose connections are so important when they are so long in coming. Congratulations to both of you - job well done.
ReplyDelete:) Hooray for both of you!
ReplyDeleteMaking those connections are essential to learning! I'm glad you both had a break through today! What a celebration and let the learning continue with smiles from you both!
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