Today in class, we discussed the importance of gratitude in life. How gratitude for the little, novel happenings on a daily basis makes for a happier life. The students wrote about their gratitude in their on-demand writing books this morning. I thought it only fair that I take a moment to express my gratitude for something little in my life that makes a big difference as it relates to our work at school.
I'm thankful for enthusiasm. The kind that radiates from kids when they can't help but shout out their thinking during a class discussion. The kind that reaches out compassionately when I hear students catching opportunities to compliment each other so they can recognize one another at the end of the day for doing something well. The enthusiasm that sneaks up quietly when I overhear them talking about their learning with one another and I didn't even ask them to. Even when other teachers, parents, friends, and family members share with me a moment when a student in my class couldn't help but bubble over about something awesome that happened at school.
This morning when I got to school, I'll admit I was moving a little slower. Maybe it was all the celebration of the kindergarten Thanksgiving feast last night. Maybe it was the thought that tomorrow is the first day of Thanksgiving break. That all changed when my students arrived. Katherine walked in and showed me this.
Her shirt reads, "Math is not a race, go at your own pace." This is a mantra we recite in math class to remind us to take our time, show our thinking in writing, and that our best work is done when we take the time to go through all the steps without rushing. Yesterday in class, we talked about making shirts with this mantra for fun. And of course, my enthusiastic student just went home and did it! Just in time for our chapter test today. I am amazed. I could cite a plethora of examples to illustrate the enthusiasm I see on a daily basis. This one did it for me this morning.
I'm thankful to work in a school with such wonderful young people who exhibit such enthusiasm. It comforts me to know that these same individuals will be the ones inheriting our world and taking care of it for the next generations. I know I'm a happier person because I know them.
I wish you all a great Thanksgiving holiday.
I'm thankful for enthusiasm. The kind that radiates from kids when they can't help but shout out their thinking during a class discussion. The kind that reaches out compassionately when I hear students catching opportunities to compliment each other so they can recognize one another at the end of the day for doing something well. The enthusiasm that sneaks up quietly when I overhear them talking about their learning with one another and I didn't even ask them to. Even when other teachers, parents, friends, and family members share with me a moment when a student in my class couldn't help but bubble over about something awesome that happened at school.
This morning when I got to school, I'll admit I was moving a little slower. Maybe it was all the celebration of the kindergarten Thanksgiving feast last night. Maybe it was the thought that tomorrow is the first day of Thanksgiving break. That all changed when my students arrived. Katherine walked in and showed me this.
Her shirt reads, "Math is not a race, go at your own pace." This is a mantra we recite in math class to remind us to take our time, show our thinking in writing, and that our best work is done when we take the time to go through all the steps without rushing. Yesterday in class, we talked about making shirts with this mantra for fun. And of course, my enthusiastic student just went home and did it! Just in time for our chapter test today. I am amazed. I could cite a plethora of examples to illustrate the enthusiasm I see on a daily basis. This one did it for me this morning.
I'm thankful to work in a school with such wonderful young people who exhibit such enthusiasm. It comforts me to know that these same individuals will be the ones inheriting our world and taking care of it for the next generations. I know I'm a happier person because I know them.
I wish you all a great Thanksgiving holiday.
We are thankful for such wonderful teachers to guide our kids! Max came home today and said " I just love Ms. Stephens", when I asked why he replied "because she is just awesome!"
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you :)