Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

December 17, 2013

Role Model

On Friday morning, I was late to pick up my 1st grade students from their classrooms.  Everyone was in the hall, lined up for our resource groups.  Uh-oh.

My fellow reading specialist, Michelle, was reading with another 1st grader, so I invited both groups to my room.  I was worried about the interruption to the usual routine, but it didn't phase them.  Everyone found a spot and started to read after a quick conversation.  Then I pulled out the whiteboards and markers to try some word work.

"New markers...wow!"
"Can I use blue?"
"These are nice!"

We were happily writing words and practicing our vowel sounds when a 3rd grader (K) knocked at the door.  He's the kind of student who needs to "run an errand" to my room (or the office or another room) from time to time to keep his behavior in check.

I had heard that morning that his pet rabbit had died the night before.  Our staff believes that our students belong to all of us, so word traveled fast.  We knew the loss of his pet would cause K to have an awful day.

I invited K to sit at the table.  He told me he wanted to tell me a story.  I asked if he could help us with our word work before we talked.  He agreed, and we took turns dictating short words to the students.  He helped the students near him.

After a few minutes, I let the first graders give the dry erase markers a workout (read:  make a quick picture) while K and I talked about his pet.  He spelled some of the words (d-i-e-d) as to not upset the other students.  One student shared that his dog got a shot that made him sleep forever, but it was a quick contribution, and K looked a bit relieved.

The students asked if they could hear a book before they went.  One suggested that K read to them, so he did.  It was the cutest scene I have ever laid eyes on.  K read them I Spy Fly Guy, and the first graders had to keep reminding him to show them the pictures.  That made us all giggle.  When time was up, we all walked quietly back to our classrooms.

I snapped a picture of K reading to the students.  I plan to give it to him on Monday to show him how he looks as a role model.  It's not usually the part he plays.  I'm thankful that the first grade students were so flexible and accepting.  This was an experience I won't forget.

6 comments:

  1. So wonderful that K had you to help him deal with this horrible moment in his life.

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  2. So happy that K was the "perfect role model" he sure needs that! How right you are Chris they are all of our children/students . . . that's what makes this school so special!

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  3. Chris, it is wonderful that you were there to help K work thru his difficult ordeal. You gave him direction to help others, which in turn helped him. And then, you listened to him which is just what he needed.

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  4. The thing I love the most about this post is that this boy had a place to go when he needed to "check" his behavior. So many students need this in order to learn to cope and deal with it on their own. I am sure that having this place contributed to the comfort he was able to find during his difficult situation. I am sure being in your room helped him in ways you may never know.

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  5. aww, that's so sweet! What a wonderful moment of success for this student!

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  6. This is beautiful!The reason we work so hard, right!

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