Love and Caring in the Classroom
February 8th, 2010 by phyllis
Most of you can recall a favorite teacher or adult who somehow managed to make you feel special and important. You most likely can recall their name and what they look like and even how they treated you that meant so much. If you were lucky as a kid you had several of these people make a difference in your life.
Since we are approaching Valentine’s Day, I thought I would share an article that I read some time back. Unfortunately, like a lot of holidays the real meaning submerged under the message of buy, buy, buy to show your love. But, this article was written by a mom who was moved by a caring teacher her son had.
Now her son was a bright kid. But, as she shared, he was more interested in playing than school. Many times she saw the discouragement in histeachers as they reported negatively about her son. Until one year when her son had a teacher who saw his problems as an opportunity to make a difference. The teacher started meeting with the son and his mom on a weekly basis. There in front of the boy, they all discussed the things that occurred during the previous week. It was masterful, that this teacher held these conferences in front of the boy. Makes you wonder why all of these meetings aren’t parent, teacher, child conferences. After all shouldn’t your child be present when people are talking about her?
Anyway, by showing how much he cared and working with the boy to come up with solutions, things began to improve. What a lesson this is for all of us. Simply caring enough to look under the surface. To take the time to understand the why of behavior instead of merely trying to punish or correct it.
This teacher’s love was apparent because he took his time every week to make sure this boy was not left behind. He was committed to finding other avenues to reach this boy and direct him toward his full potential. Life is busy, complicated and sometimes you can lose your way in the most important job you have…parenting your children in a positive respectful and most importantly a loving way.
To you and your children, I hope this reminder of love and caring with spark you to see the best in your children and your friends and family.
