After two long days of introducing 24 first graders disguised as kindergartners into my world, I must admit that my brain is feeling the weight of tiredness more than anything else, but my goal is to eventually fill it with each one's special uniqueness. Donald Graves has given me something to look forward to.
When my little crew arrived two days ago, I looked at all of them, borrowed a line from my pastor, and said, "I'm surrounded by greatness." Even with my short explanation, I imagine the statement sailed over most of their heads, but I've come back to it since and plan on repeatedly revisiting the idea over the next nine months. I seriously meant what I said to them that morning, but is it okay to admit that after two long, long days I might have to dig a little to find the greatness in some more than others? I wish I could see it more easily. I think I'm just distracted by other stuff, and I'm not looking in the right places yet. As their teacher, I owe it to them to give it my best though. I pray they give me a chance to find it. I know the greatness is there. I look forward to the day, soon, when I can carry the uniqueness of each child in my head.
Wonderful words to start my Saturday. I will take them back to my class.
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm glad you enjoyed these words too.
DeleteThere are always some who need a little more effort to find their greatness but isn't the reward so much greater when you find it? :)
ReplyDeleteJulie
Light A Fire
Julie, yes you make a perfect point. The reward is great.
DeleteGreat job, Mac. I need to remember this, too. (And thanks for the twitter reminder to read!)
ReplyDeleteLaur, I imagine that you're so good at seeing their greatness.
DeleteYour students are so blessed to have a teacher that seeks out the greatness in each individual, even if it means digging a little deeper for some than others. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I do want to bless them even if it means I have to work a little harder at it.
DeleteI love the word greatness! You're right; they're still kindies ... and the blessing is that they will bloom into firsties right before your eyes under your beautiful, caring mentorship and guidance. Oh, to be one of those little learners ....
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! Barbara
Barbara, your words give me hope that I can pull this off. Thank you.
DeleteI love that phrase too and may steal that as our class motto this year! :) I think sometimes people don't take the time to find greatness in a child (I've already been hearing complaints about certain names on certain rosters)--they all definitely have something that makes them great if you take the time to look for it.
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Miss Trayers, if you borrow that phrase, I'd love to hear how you use it!
DeleteHow sweet! I believe every student has something wonderful to offer as well.
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson:)
Welcome To First Grade Room 5
Connie, they need us to believe that, huh?
DeleteLove! You truly are God's instrument in blessing and changing lives. Lucky them, and lucky you!
ReplyDeletePaige, thank you for reminding me of that. I'm sure I'll need more of those reminders throughout the year.
DeleteYou just reminded me how hard it is to get it to be easy. They'll get there and there will be that one morning when you can take a sip of your coffee and look around you to see that they are moving about seamlessly getting their work done and humming in the room.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Kimberley, that's a great picture you've painted. Thanks for that!
DeleteLove you attitude!
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, thank you. I'm working on it!
DeletePerfectly said! :) Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMaria
Maria, thank you for reading!
DeleteThe first two days are so full of excitement and transition, it's not surprising if the greatness is hiding. Give yourself and them a little time and I'm sure it will come shining through!
ReplyDeleteSusanna, so very true. Thanks for the reminder.
DeleteJust the fact that you want to find their greatness, means you will:)
ReplyDeleteBarb, I love the way you say that.
DeleteGood thoughts. I'm with you and going into day 5 in that same struggle. Love the thought of looking in other 'places.'
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, sounds like you know what I'm talkin' about. We'll find the greatness soon, yes?
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