Day 48/Day12

Today, I had a flashback.....

....As I was doing an observation, the students were gathered on the rug, so I quietly found a seat in the back row of desks in hopes to not interrupt the instruction.

While sitting, I realized I was sitting in a student chair....I quickly flashbacked to the days of teaching first grade and how I would often sit in my students' chairs. I would sit in their seats for many reasons...

                - To help them color pictures -Something so simple, yet so rewarding. I always found it enjoyable to pick up a crayon and help students color their pictures. It was a great time to "chat" with them, to set aside the academics and get to know them, to laugh with them, to learn from them.

               - To model how to sit in a chair - I can't tell you how many times I showed the students how to sit correctly in a seat so they would no longer "tip over".

              - To let the students teach me - I always looked for an opportunity when a student would go to the restroom, or even get up to get a keelnex....I would hop in their seat and then they had    
to teach. I certainly learned a great deal.

              - To console a crying child - Nothing better than getting down to their level and comforting a child who misses their mom, or doesn't feel well, or needs help with an assignment.

               - To eat lunch with them - Once a month my students would have an opportunity to eat lunch with me in the classroom. Loved the casual conversation!


I started to miss my time in the "student chair"....but soon realized.....that time is still there....just in a different way....you see...I am observing what I once did.....I am observing 20+ staff  build a rapport with children, I am observing 20+ staff  identify their needs, I am observing 20+ staff meet the needs of the whole child, I am observing 20+ staff change the world.....

Carpe Diem!

-Amy