I think it was because one of my former students isn't coming back next year. Nathanaelle is very special to my heart! She joined our class in December of 2008 when she moved here from Haiti with her dad. Her mom had to stay in Haiti. When she came in our kindergarten room she didn't know one word of English! Not one word! Yes, I did have a very bilingual class, however not one child spoke Creole! Eek! So before the interpreter left us we had to get some sign language down pat. The most important sign for the day... toilet! We made it through that day by pointing and a prayer.
When I looped to first grade the following year my kiddos got to go with me. Nathanaelle and I have formed a great bond. This year she was in second grade and has done amazingly well! She speaks very good English and is reading on grade level. Yesterday her teacher told me she made an A in Reading! She has done a great job. It is a challenge since her dad can't help her study because he doesn't speak English or read it. Nathanaelle would come see me on Friday mornings to study her spelling words for the day and if she had finished all of her homework for the week she would get to go to my treasure box. I am very proud of her!
The thought of her not being with me next year makes me sad. And that is probably where the ugly cry came from. As she and I sat hugging and crying she realized I was crying. She patted me on the back and told me it would be ok. Yeah... more crying.
At the end of the day I read my class the story No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teachers Dirty Looks and when I got to the end I started crying again. It is a sweet story about the end of a first grade year. When my students saw I was crying they gave me a group hug. Wow, what a special day!
The good news is, I gave Nathanaelle's dad my phone number to keep in touch. She called me this afternoon. It was so nice. It made me smile!
That is why I teach!
My Today,
Christy
2 comments:
I love your story. I remember Nathanaelle from subbing for you. I also remember when she spoke no English in K. It is amazing how far she has come these past couple of years. Every time I see her, she greets me with a big smile and hug. She is a sweetheart. Sounds like you two were a good match! Debbie P.
You are an example of why our children are blessed in their public school classrooms. Not everyone can afford a private school education. When our girls were little, we couldn't, but we had many experiences with excellent Christian teachers who loved their jobs and their kids. Thanks, Christy. Go ahead. Enjoy your ugly cry. You deserve it! Love ya!
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