In a school of over 1,000 teenagers it's easier to be lost than found, but the seniors in my cousin Laurie's AP Lit classes know that she sees them. From day one, her message is "I see you." Her motto is even on the wall of her classroom. It's one thing to verbalize or even display but completely different to live out, and that's what she does on a daily basis.
Her practice challenges me to do better. Even though I have a fraction of the students she has, there are times when it feels like some of the little people are slipping through my fingers. I'm doubtful there are really any good excuses for this. Sometimes though, I'm distracted by the clock in my head, and honestly it's simply easier to see the strengths and personalities of some more than others. Then there was last year when I was overwhelmed with survival. For reasons such as these, it's possibIe to lose sight of the most important job I have in the classroom -- seeing all 23 of my students in all of their greatness.
I'm doing better. Every day I find three beautiful things. Ninety-six days into the school year, and I have found, taken pictures of, and shared on my class website 288 beautiful things. What's more, I know I've repeatedly found beautiful things showcasing all my students, because I keep track on a spreadsheet. All this has forced me to see the silent ones who so easily slip through my fingers. I'm paying attention. (By the way, if I had a challenging collection of students like I did last year, looking for beautiful things wouldn't necessarily fix the situation, but I'm convinced it would compel me to see them in a different light.) An added bonus is that they see each other. Each day a different student is responsible for finding three beautiful things for our class website, and they take the job seriously. How about this one: "Lawrence doesn't give up even when it is hard."
Regie Routman precedes the above quotation with this thought. "I'll never forget seeing the blockbuster movie Avatar and being struck that the word love was not in the Avatar culture. To express that emotion, a character would say, 'I see you' which translated to 'I know who you are,' 'I understand you,' 'I value you.'" My cousin Laurie naturally sees all her students. I've discovered my way. What's yours?
(I just left a comment and then it disappeared, so I'll try again. If you end up with two from me, that's way.)
ReplyDeleteFirst, hurrah for Saturday Sayings!
Second, I am humbled to be a part of this beautiful post. It is so crucial that we see them, and even though it takes an enormous amount of effort, it is undoubtedly worth it. They need us to see them--even the ones who try to hide or push us away.
Thanks for including me in this important message and for showing us a really great method for seeing each student (and teaching them to see each other).
Laur, I'm glad that I was able to highlight you and the wonderful things you do in your classroom. Your kids are blessed to be seen by you.
DeleteI love your cousin's motto! Your post is a great reminder to all of us about the importance of seeing EVERY child's strengths. Thanks you!
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson
www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com
Connie, yes it's a great reminder for all of us, me included. I think it's always something I can get better at.
DeleteYou are so right! It is easy to overlook the quiet kids or the 'good kids' while others are requiring more of our attention. Great reminder to 'see' them all.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, there are lots of distractions that can for sure steal my attention. I'm working on being more disciplined.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post! Love the idea of having the students be responsible for finding the 3 beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteKathy, thank you for reading. I've been so proud of them and their 3 things.
DeleteSuch a great reminder to us to see, notice, get to know...each of our students. I love how you are teaching your students to see each other also. True life skill! Your cousin sounds like a wonderful teacher to have in the classroom. Must run in your family!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, she is indeed a wonderful teacher. Three of her brothers are also amazing educators. I think it does run in the family!
DeleteI love the beautiful things tradition as well! What an amazing reminder to take the time not just to get to know our students academically, but as a little person as well. It is hard as classes seem to keep getting bigger and bigger-I have 26 this year! I haven't done it as much this year, but last year I would take a group of random kids outside to eat lunch with me every Friday. I loved listening to their conversations about what was important to them. I may need to start that up again.
ReplyDeleteNot Just Child's Play
Miss Trayers, class size does make it more challenging, even though sometimes I think that if my cousin can do it with over 100 students I should be able to manage my 23. Still, it's a challenge. :)
DeleteI love your "beautiful things" idea. I also needed the reminder that we need to be deliberate in ensuring that we are "seeing" all of the students. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLyn, I sure need to be deliberate. Otherwise, stuff gets in the way unfortunately. Thanks for coming by again. :)
DeleteThat's such a smart and beautiful way to reframe how you view your students. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you Barb. It's been a wonderful habit for me to embrace.
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