Before 8:15 am

I really enjoyed the readings this week. I particularly enjoyed viewing the teacher practice maps made by other educators and hearing their analysis of the work. Viewing the maps created and reading about how they think their students view them, what they do in a day, made me stop reading and reflect on what my students would say about me and all that we do together in a day. School starts at 8:15 and there is much that is done before the bell even rings. I identified with Michelle's teacher map in particular. She talked about how it is impossible to plan the day because you never know when a particular child is going to do a complete 180. I have a student who is like this in that she can be easily set off by things, like not getting chosen to answer a question or if she doesn't like the lunch choices for the day. As much as you think you can plan out the day, you can't. It is minute by minute plan more so. I also made a connection to myself and many other educators I know when Michelle was discussing grocery shopping for her students. Many of mine receive free or reduced lunch which also includes breakfast. Some however come in late and by that time the cafeteria is closed because they are trying to get ready for lunch. I make sure to buy healthy food options for my students because I do not know how any of them could concentrate and be in the "green zone" as we say, if they are hungry. In addition, I buy snacks for my students. There are some kids that I buy snacks for 180 days a year in addition to buying them crayons, coloring books for home, buying them chap-sticks that I apply daily (especially during the winter), etc. I view all 20 as my own kids and to me my job extends far beyond just teaching them concepts and content. I care for them as I know countless educators do. I think I say this far too often, but it is just so true... no learning can take place if our students don't feel loved and safe. Part of helping them feel loved and safe is caring for them. Showing them that they aren't just another pupil that is in my class, but that I genuinely care about them personally.

This video was something that was on Good Morning America and it is about teachers going up to their students and telling them home important and special they are. It is something all educators should be doing, showing how much we care about out students! The students reactions are priceless and moving.

I have also included this Teaching Tolerance article on caring. I thought it was interesting how the author tied caring and science together explaining the neuroscience.