This is the time of year when I can find something inwardly frustrated about various issues I've consistently talked about with certain little people that really shouldn't be issues at this point in the ball game. My inward dialogue sounds something like this...
- Seriously, troubles with b and d...still? (Then there's p and q and other random backwards letters.)
- Come on. You know which way a 3 goes. (Or a 5, 6, 7...)
- How many times have we talked about how writers and mathematicians aren't lazy? If they make a mistake, they erase the wrong answer. They don't just write the new over the old. Sigh.
- This number is a 12. Not 20, not even 21. It's 12.
- Wuz - I think we learned that word in week three.
This is the short list. It's a good thing none of this ever leaves my mouth.
I have a cousin Laurie, and she has an elevated view of my abilities. She's not shy about verbalizing them either. I've known her to repeatedly brag: "She's the best singer I know." "She's the best first grade teacher in the world." And she's not about flattery. Laurie really believes these things and a myriad of other ideas about me, regardless of the fact I don't see myself as anywhere near the ideal she sees. She's a cheerleader. Everyone needs a cousin Laurie.
Recently I witnessed her boasting about me again. I walked away with the realization that my job title is to be cousin Laurie to each of my students. I should have an elevated view of their abilities. I must see their strengths, work from their strengths, and never be shy about calling them out.
This is my late-in-the-game pep talk. As I draw to the end of the year, my inner dialogue is feeling the effects of almost nine months of teaching. Not only am I battling the issues that certain students still struggle with, like the ones I mentioned above, but I'm affected by fatigue, lack of time, loose ends, a long to-do list, school business, a few not-up-to-par assessment results, etc. It can be easy to forget my role as the cheerleader, the one who continues to call out the strengths of my students in every situation to the very last second of the game. Here's to being cousin Laurie.
As always, so lovely and inspirational and centering...Thank you! Your kiddos are lucky to have you. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteMaree, Thank you. I'm glad you can say those things about what you read here on my blog.
DeleteMe too! Me too! I was/ am planning to do a blog post along this similar thought. Must be because we all need it right about now!! Sara
ReplyDeleteSara, Must be! I'll be looking forward to reading your post.
DeleteIt's wonderful that you can find this perspective even when it's difficult, because that's when your students need a Cousin Laurie most, and they are lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteSusanna, I hadn't thought about that before. It is definitely in the difficult moments when cousin Laurie's cheerleading is just what I need, and my students aren't any different.
DeleteYour inner dialogue is exactly like mine:) I have a cousin Laurie too....it's my husband.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another great reminder about elevating our game!
Barb, I'm so glad you have a cousin Laurie too!
DeleteThanks for this, Mac. I am so glad that you know I'm not flattering. I just call out how I truly see you. And thanks for the reminder to the same for my not-so-little people, too.
ReplyDeleteLaur, thanks for being my cousin Laurie. You're too good to me.
DeleteEveryone needs a cousin Laurie! Or two. Or three!! Thank you for another insightful reflection. It's so true for those of us who set the bar high ... we expect what we're willing to give. A reminder for us to extend grace lavishly never hurt anyone ... smiles!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Barbara, and you bring us back to grace. You're so good at that.
DeleteI'm right with you this time of year! Great reminder to be a cheerleader--find those positives! We can do it! :-)
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, we can! We can!
DeleteAnother great and timely post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnn
The Caffeinated Classroom
Ann, thank you to saying so and thank you for reading.
DeleteThank you for this timely reminder that we need to be our students' cheerleaders and focus on the positive. It can be easy to forget this at this busy time of year, but so needed. And your inner voice about using an eraser not just writing over the old answer made me laugh! How many times have I reminded little ones of this? :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I'm glad you got a laugh out of that. Doesn't it drive you crazy when they don't use that eraser? :)
DeleteI think many of us are having the same thoughts as you this time of year. It's a tough time of year and we all need a cheerleader like Laurie. Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson
Welcome To First Grade Room 5
Connie, it's good to know I'm not the only one. :)
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