LAUGHTER: a true healer

 I'm doing a book study with my 5^th grade group. The book is all about 3 siblings who have lost their mother and learned that their father has had an accident. This has left all of the household chores, as well as care of their father, up to them. This book study has opened up many avenues of thoughtful discussion with my students.

Today we discussed what it must feel like to be the sole caregiver for a parent as a child. My children were extremely insightful as they shared stories in which they had needed to step up in the care of their parents, through language translation, social cues and interactions or household tasks due to their parents being sick or injured. I was once again humbled as I listened to my students share.

We continued talking about how the characters in the story must feel as they are taking care of everything at home. One student shared that sometimes she feels empty and alone (a feeling a character had described feeling). She continued by sharing the ways in which she helps herself feel better when overcome with emptiness or sadness. She described sitting on the swings at recess only to have the breeze at her back, blowing through her hair. She said that this comforts her. Another student shared that the action of going out on a walk helps him feel better. I once again sat humbled as I listened to these kids who get it. Life stinks sometimes, but there are always ways to find happiness and peace within.

Sometimes life shows up when we least expect it and we're left with a gaping hole needing to be filled somehow. We talked about positive and healthy ways to fill the holes in our hearts placed their by various things in life. We talked about how to overcome the feeling of “wanting to punch someone in the face” and instead of going through with that—finding a more positive way. These kids came up with great solutions—one of which was laughter.

Laughter is one thing my classroom isn't lacking. I am so blessed to work with a group of darling children who make me laugh every hour on the hour. Their bright souls and smiles are enough to pull anyone out of any sad day.

(The following paragraph is profane)

Just last Friday I gave my students a test online which required them to record a special code. I asked them to read their codes aloud to me so that I could keep a record. Student number one replied, “R...P...Y...6”. Student number two replied, “6....Z...R....D”, and then student three made a reply I couldn't have possibly prepared myself for: “T....Z....FUCK YOU”. I looked at him in shock and he peered at me in the same manner. He looked at his computer screen and proceeded to repeat the code, as if I hadn't heard it loud and very clear the first time, “T...Z...FUCK YOU....oh no, Miss Lett...that sounds like a bad word....let me try again, T.....Z....FOUR........Q.......” OH!!!!!!!!! Pronunciation remains a work in progress with these ELL students of mine. A work in progress and a sense of beautiful and much appreciated comic relief.

Just as one student of mine signed a letter, so will I close this blog.

Seriously,

Ms. Lett

(Seriously instead of SINCERELY)