I speak to kids I don't know when they walk past my room. I stop and talk to whole classes of kids when I'm passing them in the halls. I make an effort to learn as many of their names as possible, so I can call them by name the next time I see them.
As far as I'm concerned, every kid at my school is my kid whether they know me (yet) or not.
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One of my afternoon dismissal duties is to escort a second grader down the hall to her PreK sibling's class so mom can pick them up at the same door.
Today, well before dismissal, I looked out my door and both girls were slowly walking past toward the office. (I keep my door open, and I think the older student was waving goodbye to her friend in my class.)
I asked, though I already knew, if they were going home. They both responded yes; then, the second grader stated that it was her sister's birthday.
Clutching my imaginary pearls, I asked why I had not been invited to leave early for sister's birthday.
The younger sibling looked me square in the eyes, and said, "Because we don't know you."
Trying to remain composed and not laugh too out loud, I replied, "You are so right. You don't know me. I hope you have fun at the birthday."
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You can bet Baby Girl and I will know each other before long. I will make it my mission.
I love this slice which shows so much about the quality of your teaching. When you know families, you can serve in so many more ways. Your energy is infectious (I hope:)
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing you tell this story orally in time to write and then coming and reading your words as well. This little girl will know and love you soon!
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