This week, I was reminded that sometimes good things come in 3’s, and that connecting with students remains my main joy in life. There are three quotations at the end of each email I send. They sum up my philosophy of teaching perfectly: Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all – Aristotle, Creativity is intelligence having fun – often attributed to Einstein but is not confirmed, and Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations – Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker. I realize that these three pillars have been the foundation of how and why I continue to teach.
Many large-scale studies show that a child’s social-emotional health is critical to academic achievement. I don’t need a study to tell me that; I know from my own experience as a child. I always did better in school when I thought the teacher cared about me and supported me for who I was. As a teacher, I work from a stance that I can open doors for you academically, only if I greet you at that door with open arms, a smile, and a kind heart. Connection must occur for true learning to happen.
I have been a creative all my life. It is actually connected to my social-emotional health. From the time I could hold a pencil, I drew pictures or wrote poems and stories. My mind was filled with wild imagination, and the way I expressed that exuberance was through art and writing. While I love teaching, I need writing and art making to bring joy and fun, and I often use art and writing to help students feel a sense of connection and acceptance.
My road in this life, like most people’s, was not easy. I had some serious problems and became anxious and impulsive. I walked that road, and along the way, there were teachers to help guide me. They gave me perspective and courage; they boosted my confidence. Eventually, the road stopped feeling so difficult, and I discovered that bumpy roads with lots of obstacles lead to a special place with a beautiful horizon. I stopped worrying about the road and looked forward to where I wanted to be. But that’s not to say that I have to remind myself every day to keep my mind set on the shining horizon.
At the end of each school day, children are dismissed one by one to waiting cars. Often, Josephine, a Kindergartener, is in my carline. While we wait, I make little rhymes with her name, such as:
It’s a good way to while away the time and make a little girl happy at the end of the day. I explained to Josephine that she has my Grandmother’s name and that I would have probably been named Josephine, but my mom wanted a more American/modern name, so I was named Joanne. This is how I connected with Josephine. I promised her I would write a long poem for her by the end of the year.
On Thursday this week, I came to school with the poem I had written for Josephine and asked her if I could read it to her. She nodded her head, and we sat together. As I read, I heard the sweetest of all giggles. It made me laugh and tear up at the same time. I turned to her and asked if she liked the poem. She nodded and giggled again. I told her that I was glad I made her happy. She turned to me and said that she hadn’t made a poem for me yet. I told her that was okay, and I asked her if she would like me to make the poem into a little book, and she could draw the pictures. She nodded her head again. I can’t wait to see how she illustrates my poem. People might think I went out of my way to connect with this little girl. And they would be right, but the going out of the way is not a chore; it is a joy, a blessing, and I do so intentionally.
The part of my job where I get a chance to connect with students is the most rewarding time. It is what keeps me teaching after 48 years. I want to keep providing a listening ear and a warm heart for students so that they can grow, thrive, and enjoy their journeys.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 