The air radiates with excitement as the students filter into the room. The first day back after a break is always filled with anticipation. Everyone is eager to share their stories, to tell tales of trips taken, illnesses endured, or sleepovers attended. I step into my classroom that is alive with energy and chatter. You might not think that seven mild-mannered eighth grade girls can make much of a ruckus, but believe me they can!
B excitedly shows me the dvd of trip photos, "There's a lot of them, can we look at them at lunch?" and the box of Pony Tails saltwater taffy from Chintoteague Island that she has brought for the class, "We can have them at snack. Oh, and I got you something; its on your desk."
I love teacher gifts, especially when they are from the heart. I go over to my desk. Sitting neatly atop a stack of books is a beautiful blue and green journal with subtle flower designs, a Celtic looking cross, and the word, "Hope" on the cover.
"Thank you, B! I love it!" I give her a hug before thumbing through it. Right away I see that she has written in it; a little poem and a note. Another hug accompanies her explanation that she had seen the journal in a store and knew immediately that she had to get it for me.
I'm very picky about what I use for a writer's notebook; it has to have just the right look and feel. I don't know what I'm looking for until I see it and hold it in my hand. This little notebook is definitely one that I will enjoy filling with thoughts, experimenting with words.
"Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I love to read
because of you."
-B.L.
Oh, Natalee, that's really precious! :)
ReplyDeleteWell done, my friend!
Blessings!
What a sweet and thoughtful student!Lucky you and how lucky for her. Love the poem.
ReplyDeleteKids are wonderful - and so are teachers who inspire those kids ... Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you always keep that notebook and when days are blue and teaching can be tough, you can look back and see the change you have made in lives.
ReplyDeleteI always love getting notebooks, even though I don't know what I'll use them for all of the time.
Wow -- what a great gift. I'm glad you documented it in this slice.
ReplyDeleteRuth
Students can amaze you more often than not. They pick up on so much more than we think.
ReplyDelete