Wednesday, April 4, 2012

a passion for teaching

young love
 
One of my life's greatest passions is teaching.  I love it.  I love the children.  I love the variety of each day.  I love being outside for part of every day.  I love the challenges.  I love the chance to make a difference.  Here's an example of why I am so passionate about teaching.

We had a big writing competition coming up. So, a few Fridays ago our whole class spent a long while illustrating the poems we've been writing for the competition. I put a Disney hits CD on and let them have at it. What happened next would have had me crying if I hadn't been too busy enjoying it. You've Got a Friend In Me came on, and the whole class began to sing along. Imagine, me, Woody, and twenty second graders singing, "If you've got troubles, I've got 'em, too. You've got a friend in me." YES!!

Then, last week we were having our character lesson. At the end of it, we talked about how to be a good friend. My kids' answers were so good that I made a chart to leave up in our classroom. Here's what they said:

How to be a good friend
~ Use your best personality.
~ Don't say or tell things that would embarrass a friend.
~ Really, you just have to use all the character traits.
~ Don't repeat hurtful things.
~ Don't be mean.
~ Keep private things private.
~ Admit it and apologize when you are wrong.

See? I told you - best job in the world.

20 comments:

Sweet Tea said...

I wish all teachers shared your passion of teaching and children. It is so refreshing to hear a teacher who loves what she does..There are several on FB who complain abt the children in their class and talk about how they wish they had a different job. *sigh

Cathi said...

That would have been so awesome to witness all of the kids singing! My kids were truly blessed with teachers that loved teaching also, thank you for everything you do, teachers are heros! I love all of their answers. Kids truly can be our teachers at times too! Have a fabulous day! xxoo

Marilyn Miller said...

Lucky you to have the best job in the world. There are so many that can't say that. Their list is so very special. How I would love being a student in your class.

S. Etole said...

What a wonderful teacher you are! What gift to bring out the gift in your students.

Sarah said...

I agree! Lovely tales from your classroom Relyn!

Claire said...

Aren't kids wonderful! I love hearing how your munchkins are getting on!

Isa Lisboa said...

Children are so wise! :)

HKatz said...

Great post. Like others have said, it's wonderful to see a passionate and committed teacher.

I love that song, "You've Got a Friend in Me" :)

The list for how to be a good friend is spot on. Being forgiving is important too; not holding grudges.

Scrappy Grams said...

that's just the way I felt; hold on to that feeling!
~hugs~

Unknown said...

You are a wonderful, feeling teacher. When I worked at the elementary school, I saw some teachers that really didn't put their heart and soul into teaching but YOU have a gift! I love what the kids learned about friendship.

Jeanne said...

Love you
Teachers know how to make little ones COUNT
I love your postings.
I love you
Jeanne

Amy said...

They're so lucky to have a teacher like you! And you're right--very helpful suggestions on how to be a good friend. I especially loved "Really, you just have to use all the character traits." I do find people who do that tend to be the best friends of all! :)

Mac n' Janet said...

I was a teacher too, taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 3rd grade. The last was my favorite. Several of my now grown students have found me on Facebook, so I guess I made an impression on them, I know they did on me.

Dutchbaby said...

You bring out the best in your students, Relyn. And that's what teaching is all about.

I share your passion for teaching, though I have not taught in classrooms very often.

Lisa Johnson said...

A wonderful story Relyn! They are lucky to have you for their teacher. You are giving them beautiful memories to hang on to. Happy weekend to you! : )

Isabel said...

Your post made me smile Relyn :)
Thank you for the lovely words you left on my blog the other day.
I am back to blogging after a long hiatus. Happy Easter!

Jennifer Richardson said...

beautiful list
and the sound of them singing
rings in my heart
and has me grinning
to the bone:)
singing along,
Jennifer

gkgirl said...

awwwww....i loved reading this!
:)

Roban said...

You said this so well! I agree that teaching is a wonderful experience. Tiring, yes. But rewarding, too.

I would have loved to have a teacher like you!

susanna said...

Awww...I wish I could have been with you in your class that day, Relyn. What a happy moment! I can see why you love your job. And that's a great project you and your students are working on.

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