On Monday, February 14, I took off work. It’s a day to remember. It’s a day to mourn.
Four years ago, I made a promise. To teach my students what kindness looks like. To show my students that kindness matters. To love them and listen to them and show them that they matter.
Thank you, John Spiers — for helping me keep this promise. Kindness looks like you.
I choose my Read Alouds very carefully. On Tuesday, February 15, I read aloud a picture book I had planned for weeks before Peep! arrived in the mail. Wednesday, I had an all-day RTI meeting so Thursday would be the day that I eagerly introduced my students to their new book, a small chapter book. We would read one chapter a day.
They smiled.
I read chapter one when the book first arrived on my doorstep. And when I came to this one line, I grabbed a yellow colored pencil and highlighted it.
“You are so much more than good enough.”
As soon as I heard those words, I knew that this was the book I was looking for.
I understand the social-emotional needs of my students. I know that for those who come to me, learning to read has been a bit of a struggle.
On Thursday, I finished reading to my fourth group. Everyone loved meeting Gracie and Bessie, eager to read chapter 2 the next day.
Then, my fifth group arrived. When I read aloud, “You are so much more than good enough,” a student asked, “Why did you highlight that?” I answered, “Because I love that line.”
He then said, in a very strong voice, “I love that line too Mrs. Levine.”
On Friday morning, I received an email that I needed to cancel all my groups, to sub for a third-grade class. Our schools are closed on Monday, so I will (hopefully) see my students on Tuesday. I know they will be eager to listen to chapter 2.
By the time I came home on Friday, I was very tired, but before I came inside I checked my mailbox, and I am so glad that I did. Inside — a most wonderful surprise.
A beautifully illustrated card, a letter on the back, and feathers.
I know my students will love the card as much as I do, and I can’t wait for them to see the feathers, so they know that the chickens “are real.”
a special gift arrived on Friday
Thank you, John Spiers, for sharing your gift with me and my students.