Realization

Yesterday was one of the most exciting days in my classroom thus far.  The atmosphere was positive! The Spirit of God was present.  The students came in ready to learn and conquer.  I say this because it is rare- or it had been prior to yesterday- for students to be eager to take tests.  They were asking me if they could take it before the time I had scheduled and at first I was suspicious.  Then I decided to listen to some of them and roll with it.  They did awesome!!!!

Students who have struggled most of the semester made above 80 and one of them was so excited to have made a 90 on her Science Final that she nearly tackled me giving me a hug.  She and I both were teary-eyed in front of the class and probably for the same reason:  she proved to herself what she could do when she study.  She already knows she is smart but now she knows how to study vs. reading over materials.  There is a difference.

Originally, I was really concerned because Fridays are multiple test days.  However, they have known this all year but some still struggle.  Yesterday I saw new attitudes and determinations so I will keep praying and believing that they will remember this day as a success and victory for them.

In addition, one of the K5 classes came and prayed with my class.  I know you are thinking, why is so many classes coming to pray over Sixth Grade?  Yesterday, I think it reminded all the kids how as teachers we think prayer in school is just as important as curriculum.  Plus it gives them opportunity to exercise their faith and gifts in prayer with another kid. 

My class received an extra bonus from it because now they have been exposed to the behaviors, questions and attitudes of people much smaller than them.  This is preparation for them to fulfill their responsibilities next week as Educator For A Day.  Each Sixth Grade student will teach a class K5 thru 5th Grade while the "real" teacher just guides or facilitate.  I am excited for them because they will learn so many things about themselves they may have not learned otherwise.  I will have them write a 2-page paper on their experience and encourage them to put it in their personal journals at home.  They are really excited and some have had their "professional attire" picked out since we originally told them they would do this over two weeks ago.

God is good and worthy to be praised!  I am learning that fewer things are better than seeing a child realize how powerful they are in a positive way!