As I was reading through some tweets this morning, I happened to catch this #AboutTheKids one that my vice principal, Kristi, shared.
In my nine years of teaching at Ancaster Meadow, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching many students multiple times: some for as many as four years. At this school, I’ve taught Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 5, Grade 6, and offered prep coverage for Kindergarten-Grade 6.
I look at some of my Grade 5’s now that I taught back in Senior Kindergarten up to five years ago. What changes they’ve made!
- I remember them before they could read.
- I remember them before they could write.
- I remember them when they were reluctant to talk to anybody.
- I remember them when playing with others was a challenge.
- I remember them through sad morning “goodbyes” to moms and dads.
- I remember them through the “happy bubbles” that used to make all of the tears disappear.
- I remember them just as they were starting to share their passions, realize their strengths, and find their voices.
- I remember them just as they came to learn that school really is a great place to be!
And while, on some days now, I know that my Grade 5’s would love to be sleeping in, running around outside, or enjoying some quiet time at home, I still catch their smiles, hear their excitement, and see their love of school (if they’ll admit it or not). 🙂 Now another group of Kindergarteners will be starting at our school: there will be tears, smiles, anxiety, eagerness, and so much great new learning!
I’m a teacher. I love my job! I love school, and I love seeing new students ready to begin an exciting new adventure. Today’s Kindergarten Orientation reminds us that each and every day at school is #AboutTheKids. How will today be a great one for all of the kids?
Aviva
You’re really lucky you can see those kindergartners again! It’s amazing how much they can grow. During lunch-monitoring, I always think that I will come back in 5 years and these playful Gr.2’s in Gr.6, or kindergartens in Gr.5.
It’s a one-in-a-million chance that a teacher can see that. You’re lucky(I say again!).
Do you want to see your Kindergartners in their adult age? What is your response to when a student doesn’t remember you (Haha! I will get your deepest…. darkest… secrets!)?
From,
Yusra
Thanks for the comment, Yusra! I am the lucky one. I love getting a chance to see the students and watch them grow. I’ve never had a student tell me that he/she hasn’t remembered me, but if I did, I guess that I’d start to wonder what I might have done wrong. How could I make that school year more memorable? It’s a good reminder that our actions have impact, and I want a good impact!
Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Miss Dunsiger
I really liked your perspective about the questions!
Yusra
Thanks Yusra! I would definitely be interested in this.
Miss Dunsiger
Interesting post Aviva, especially the comment about impacts.
Without a doubt, you’ve had a terrific impact on my kids’ love of school and academic success. Impact drives me crazy: with so many years and other interfering factors coming into play also, I’m wondering how you as a teacher see the link between your actions and impacts, good or bad.
Warmly,
Lucy
Thanks for the comment, Lucy! This is a very interesting question. I’m not sure if we can truly see the impact or not. Maybe that’s why I think that the conversation piece matters. As we get students to reflect, even as they grow up and become adults, maybe they can start to identify these links. My sister though has a PhD in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and with her statistics background, I’m guessing she’d say there isn’t a direct correlation.
I’m definitely just one of many educators reflecting on this lately though. Here’s a link to an interesting post by Peter Skillen discussing “impact”: http://theconstructionzone.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/hey-teacher-think-you-dont-have-impact-think-again/. Enjoy!
Aviva