We. Are. Family.

"I call my students my kids because in our year together they aren't just kids on my class list, they become part of my heart forever."

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My heart has been made incredibly full by the care and concern of my students. I am so thankful for them and all that they teach me with their courage and abounding kindness. The last month has been a tricky time for us as a class family. With some transitions with staff I was needing to care for 200+ kids between two schools. I was splitting my time in half, and only seeing my original group of kids two days/week. I was feeling stress not seeing my kids, and my kids were showing signs of it too.
"Ms. Lett, why are you always gone?--You're always at the other school and never with us."

(I had a great time at my other school spending time with amazing kids. It was fun learning from them and getting to know their little hearts.)

Oh my aching heart.

They missed being together as a family just as much as I did. Our time together is precious, and lately it certainly has been.

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Just today I was working with a student who, at the beginning of the year, wasn't able to read a single sight word. We have been working on the same stack of words all year, without much improvement. He was feeling discouraged, and I was trying not to feel the same. Today I pulled the same stack one more time. He was able to read all but two of the words. ALL BUT TWO!

I happened to spot another student in the class looking at this boy with tears in his eyes and a proud smile. My eyes welled up as I asked this boy if he was feeling proud of his friend. He replied yes shyly, and went back to his work.

I am overwhelmed as a teacher to have students who overcome their own struggles and then encourage and applaud others after they overcome their own.

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Another moment took my breath away today. While teaching a lesson, which required a lot of student talk using academic language, I noticed one of my students rehearsing answers quietly with another student who struggles with speaking. The struggling student would share her rehearsed answer, smile, and then look to her supportive friend as in to celebrate. Beautiful.

These are the moments that add up and make me one proud mama bear. I truly believe I have some of the best young people in my care, and I count myself blessed to have all 200+. I am surrounded by individuals who work and love harder than anyone I have known.

Sincerely thankful to be their teacher, and the leader of this strong family.

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