The moment you’re ready to quit is
usually the moment right before a
miracle happens. Don’t give up.
-Unknown
This quote opens up Chapter 2 of Culturize by Jimmy Casas. If you read my previous post I discussed Casas’s Core principle 1 which is Champion for Students. I continue that writing as I reflect on the beginning of this school year. The beginning of the school year is always the most difficult for me as an educator because, at times, I want to jump right into the wonderful learning and teaching for the new year, but I know that my students need to learn the routines and expectations. They need to get used to the transition from second grade (which is always difficult). They need to get used to my flexible seating. But most importantly I need to learn to connect with them and build the relationships. When that happens is when the real learning begins.
Even though it seems like so much longer , we have only reached day 17. We have not even reached day 21 which is where a habit starts to begin. As I sit here and think of that I realize that maybe that is why we are not there yet. Everything has not fallen into place yet. Will it ever? YES! I believe it will but we aren’t there yet.
Each and every day I have tried to figure out how to connect with my students. I have paid close attention during morning meetings, class discussions, get to know you activities, at recess and lunch to discover things about each student in order to be intentional in my connections so that I can champion for them. I have written more than one positive note to parents about their children and even started to go to their extracurricular activities. All of these intentional efforts are so that I can connect more with them and build a relationship that creates a community of learners who feel comfortable to take risks, share their voice, and tell their story.
This past week was a difficult one. I spent so much time trying to figure out how to connect to a couple of students with whom I felt I was not reaching. One student in particular would resist me in every situation and take his aggression out on me by stomping his feet or ignoring everything I said to him. Each day I tried something new but to no avail it did not seem to work. I began kindness shout outs at morning meeting in hopes that he would join in. I would lie awake at night and wonder what my next steps would be. I even spoke with my principal and we brainstormed ideas that may help to reach him. There were moments when I felt like I just would not connect and maybe it was just the way it would be.
Then came Friday- this student came into class and I could see something different in him. Even his greeting to me was given with a smile. Throughout the day he listened, participated and completed all his assignments. I asked him- what has happened?- why the change?. He said he decided that he needed to listen, follow directions and be part of the class. When I told him how proud I was of him and how happy I was that he wanted to be a participant in this class, his face lit up and beamed with pride. Our eyes met and I felt a true connection. Did I finally do it? Did I reach this child? Is this a true change? Only time will tell, but I can say that something positive had happened and I will keep building upon that. I will not give up on him. I will continue to champion for him! He deserves it just as all kids do it.
So when I go back to that quote- The moment you’re ready to quit is usually the moment right before a miracle happens. Don’t give up. (Unknown- #Culturize) There were moments last week when I was ready to quit and throw in the towel, but I chose to keep trying and a small miracle happened on Friday.
I will not give up and I will keep looking for those miracles with all students!