I see how he plays with the bottom of his shoe when I'm reading a picture book. Or if it's not his shoe, it's something else, while we're doing shared reading. I see how he barely moves his lips or completely ignores us when we count to 100 with a fun youtube brain break. I see how he tries to get a spot at the back of the group where he doesn't think I see him. I see how little effort he gives and interest he shows with most everything we do. I see how after two years of kindergarten how much he still needs every little concept I'm teaching. I see how he's surrounded by so many who seem eager to learn whether the content is easy or hard.
What I don't see is a little eager fire in his eyes. I don't feel him willingly following me on this journey. Instead it seems like I'm dragging him along. He is indeed a mystery, and yet this is nothing new. Every year I have to ask myself how to engage the one who refuses to meet me halfway. I know Routman's advice is part of the answer to this ever-present dilemma. "What matters most to this child? Start there."
Indeed, I see that he's full of greatness.
This is poetry (and so are you).
ReplyDeleteThank you Laur for thinking so.
DeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jonelle.
DeleteThank you for my Saturday morning . . . this is a place to start.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, thank you.
DeleteBeautiful Tammy! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Trayers.
DeleteWhat a wonderful place to start:)
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson
Connie, thank you.
DeleteEvery year I also have a child like that. Such a puzzle! Thank you for reminding me to look for the greatness!
ReplyDeleteBarb, yes a puzzle every year.
DeleteThank you for the well written reminder that every child is capable of greatness and it is our responsibility to help them on this journey!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, now if I could just get really good at that!
DeleteYou have a lovely way of capturing your thoughts with words!
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, thank you for thinking so. Every so often it all comes together.
DeleteWhat a simple and POWERFUL message. Meet kids where they are. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJanet, thank you, and thank you for reading.
DeleteI love this reminder (which is always how I feel about your posts:) Have you been asked to speak at conferences? You are so inspiring and have so much to offer.
ReplyDeleteLyn, thank you for thinking so. I take that as a huge compliment coming from someone like you who I have such great respect for.
DeleteI know I'm late to this post, but WoW, I'm glad I got here! What an insightful morsel of advice and direction. Start there. I LOVE that.
ReplyDeleteI once visited a school whose vision statement simply said: If it's important to you, it matters to us. Consider how different our world would be if that were our mantra.
Happy holidays, Tammy, and thank you for such thoughtful reflections.
Barbara
Barbara, that is an inspiring vision statement. Makes one think. Thank you for sharing. You always add to the conversation.
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