I love volunteering because I get to spend more time with R and see how he behaves and participates in school. I know it's not a true picture due to the fact that I'm there, and my presence will always change how he behaves at least slightly, but it's still interesting to see him interacting with his classmates and teachers.
I also love this time because I get to know (and appreciate!) all the kids. It makes me feel more at home within R's school community. I feel connected to his world outside our home. And, the kids are really smart and talented and funny and kind. Each one of them has a special place in my heart.
But, most of all, volunteering in the classroom reminds me how hard R's teachers work, how patient they are, how much they truly love teaching. It is no easy feat to get 20 six- and seven-year-olds to sit in a circle and listen to a story or to organize them into groups and get them rotating between math stations (not to mention herding them all to lunch or the library or recess). Even when they are all at their own seats working on writing projects quietly, chaos can quickly ensue.
Somehow, despite constant interruptions and distractions, R's teachers manage to get their knowledge across. I am constantly amazed at how much R has learned in his short time in elementary school. And, it's not just reading, writing, math, social studies, art, music, and science. R's school and teachers spend a lot of time teaching the children how to be kind to one another, how to give compliments, how to be inclusive, how to respect privacy, how to be polite.
On top of all that, R's teachers take a lot of time to communicate with us parents - through email, written notes, meetings, and impromptu conversations before and after school.
I know that teachers do so much more than what I've mentioned here. I can't do justice to the work and dedication and time they put into their jobs. But I can be thankful for all of it.
Is there a teacher that you're thankful for today?
2 comments:
My fourth grade teacher Mrs. Dow. A stern blue haired lady that stood me at the board and drilled the multiplication table into me. Math became easy and long division the next year was a snap. Mrs. Levine, my senior high school English teacher , who was able to instill a love for Shakespeare in a typical teenage lout. Professor Papagiannos, who brought Astronomy and the history of Life in the Universe into my life. There were many more teachers that I owe so much to but the aforementioned stand out in my mind.
I must mention my Father, who sat up so many nights insuring that I finished my homework and taught me the importance of a personal ethical code by example.
I read a teacher's blog and bet she would love this post. So many parents don't give teachers the respect and thanks that they deserve! xoxo
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