For my own documentation, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of my experiences in the first seven weeks of school.
Fact 1: The first week two weeks of school I cried multiple times because I missed my sweet second grade class.
Opinion 1: Sometimes, I still feel like I'm a primary teacher stuck in a 5th grade classroom.
Fact 2: By the 4th week of school, I cried because I was overcome with emotion about how honored I am to be these kid's 5th grade teacher. I believe God put me here for a reason, and in my heart, that is a fact.
Opinion 2: 5th graders are big second graders. Their hearts are still sensitive, and they still want affirmation from their teacher. I love em.
With all honesty, I can say that I absolutely LOVE these kids. I am happier to be a 5th grade teacher than I ever thought I would be. While I miss teaching the little ones, I don't have time to look back. I owe it to my 50 precious students to keep looking forward and give it my full heart.
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So, a couple weeks ago, I had a special moment that I want to lock in my memory:
Sometimes as teachers, things go on in our personal lives, and it is HARD to leave your feelings aside to teach the kids. But, you do it. You put that face on, forget yourself, and teach. A few weeks ago, I was there. I was a a wreck, and my kids had no clue. I'm not even sure if my aide knew. But one of my sweet little students knew I was feeling low. She is a very empathetic young lady, and I was her 3rd grade teacher, so we have an established relationship.
She was staying for our campus after-school program, and frequently they allow us to pull kids if we need help in our rooms. So, I see this little angel in the hall after school. She approached me and gently said, "Mrs. Orr, you need help today, don't you?" I told her she could come. She gave me this look that said "I know."
Without a word, she came in my room and started doing everything. She straightened every desk, filed every paper, organized book baskets, straightened up, sharpened pencils, etc. Everything. Exactly how I like it. Without me having to tell her. She knows how much I love a clean, organized room.
In that moment she knew I needed her help. Words cannot express the comfort I felt from her presence. We didn't even say too much to each other, and we didn't have to. She was supporting me and loving me at a time when I needed it.
And that, is one of about 56,000 reasons why I love fifth grade.
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what a beautiful post! I had the same feelings the first few weeks since I was transitioning from 2nd to 5th, too! You're so right, the kids are just bigger versions of our little ones! They need lots of love too!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to get up there and teach when you are having those types of days in your personal life. I'm glad you found comfort that day.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey: How wonderful that so little "explaining" is necessary with some of our kids. I'm glad that child was there at that moment.
ReplyDeleteAND I'm glad you like 5th grade--because I'm learning a lot from you!
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
God's callings are always surprising but always what we or somone else needs :) Glad He is blessing u as u adjust! what a precious memory!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet!! It is always amazing to me how well the kids read us even when we think they don't/can't.
ReplyDeleteI, too, taught second grade before teaching sixth (where I've been for the last six years) - and I, too, thought "What am I doing here??" in those early week in sixth grade. But, kids are kids...and fifth and sixth graders are so special. They want to please, they are trying to figure themselves out, and you can do so much to help them transition into adolescence. I love sixth grade!
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