Hug Haven

Teaching first  graders has its share of frustrating moments. I have two boys this year that are proving to be particularly challenging--it's no wonder.... one little boy's mother is in prison and the other boy is living with a foster family and I don't think it's the first one. The life situations that these kids are facing are nothing I can ever relate to. I try to put myself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from, but regardless, it is hard work. Sometimes they tire me out.

Seth, who is a foster child, likes to spin. He holds his arms out, looks up, and spins around. I think it's his way of letting his environment fade away. I would probably want to make the same thing happen if I was in his position. I am sure his environment has changed so many times in the short 6 years he has been around that he has realized sometimes he just wants to ignore it. I have a hard time getting Seth to follow directions and sometimes repeat the same thing 10 times to no avail. He has some language issues, probably due to his living situation at a young age, and as a result has a hard time processing directions. With this in mind, I patiently repeat and repeat, coaxing him to take action! 

He spins.

I repeat.

Being a teacher requires a LOT of patience. Many people tell me they don't know how I do it and sometimes I don't either.

But then I get the hugs.

Everyday before Seth gets on the bus, he wraps his arms around me and gives me a big hug. He has a huge smile on his face and in that moment I know he is happy. And so am I.

That small moment at the end of each day makes all of the other moments of frustration fade away. In those moments I know I make a difference in the lives of children who need someone to love them and care about them. If I can be that person, it is all worth it.