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| Tuesdays at Two Writing Teachers! |
Reading through their reflections, I nodded and smiled as my heart grew so full it seemed ready to leap from my body and fly onto their pages. So many kids now hold different identities, and they know it! So many kids became readers who connect to books and writers who write for real purposes and audiences. So many kids now inhabit a world where words have real power, and they are confident of their ability to participate in that world. I hope they always hold onto that.
I had so many ideas today of ways to reflect on my own year, but none of them seemed quite right. All of a sudden, Sharon Creech's Love that Dog popped into my head, and I knew that was it! I love those kids. I scrambled to find Walter Dean Myers' original poem, "Love that Boy"... and this is where it took me:
Love those kids
like a daisy loves the sun
I said, love those kids
like a daisy loves the sun
Love to call them in the morning,
"It's a great day, everyone!"
They curl in chairs
and dive into books.
I said, they curl in chairs
and dive into books.
They know that words can carry them
as close or far as they dream of.
They write their lives,
making words dance and sing.
I said, they write their lives,
making words dance and sing.
They recognize the power
their very own stories bring.
They walk with strength and courage,
reaching out and standing tall.
I said, they walk with strength and courage,
reaching out and standing tall.
They'll find their places in this world
with their words to keep them strong.
Okay, now I am in tears...thinking about being in this exact place two weeks from now. Bravo to another great year of teaching and learning.
ReplyDeleteOMG is what I can say..."they walk in strength and courage".....OMG you have captured the bravery I see in the eyes of those ESL/ELL kids who thrive in spite of the many challenges. THEY are lucky to have you, a teacher who encourages reading to learn as well as learning to read.
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to write my goodbye cards for my students......every time that I read about your classroom, I want to come for a visit! These words will stay with me, "They'll find their places in this world with their words to keep them strong."
ReplyDeleteDear Jennifer, I always admire and love what you write, but this rather tops the list of great posts, and so sweet and thoughtful and loving and kind and ... Just the things you are too. I remember when you shared about the challenges, but also remember the fun things, like the sharing and going to the special events with families (that recent quiencienara) and so on. Best wishes to you and your students for a good, good vacation!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! It is the end we all hope for as the school year comes to a close, the goal we seek throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteLove that poem
ReplyDeleteLike new words love the light.
I said I love that poem
Like new words love the light.
Their teacher gave them heart...and wings.
And now no one can stop a heart that sings.