The last car came through the pick up line for the after school program.
Three students remained, so we took them back into the school building to wait for their parents.
I stood beside a 1st grader.
Since I teach 4th graders, and am around 9 and 10 year olds all day long, I forget how small 6 and 7 year olds can be.
This little guy was indeed small.
I almost overlooked him.
I’ve been trying NOT to overlook and ‘underhear’ (if I may make up a word) life around me.
I’ve been trying to look closely and listen carefully.
“Since I almost overlooked and underheard this little guy,” I thought, “I need to ask him about his day.”
I knelt down beside him so I could see and hear him better.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hey,” he answered, looking at me out of the corner of his wide, brown eyes.
“How was your day today?”
“Good.”
“What was the best part of your day?”
He shrugged his thin shoulders.
“I don’t know.”
“Was it recess? What’d you play at recess.”
“I made up a game with my friends.”
“Wow, you made up your own game? You must be very smart!”
The fact is, he is struggling academically. That’s why he’s in the after school program.
I wanted him to know the smart side of himself.
Our talk went on until his ride appeared outside of the door.
He gave me a high five.
“Bye,” he said as he walked away.
As he said it, though, he turned and looked back at me and smiled a smile that said, “Thanks for seeing me...thanks for hearing me.”
“I’m here,” I thought. “Estoy aquí.”
It’s mostly what a teacher does...it’s mostly what a teacher is.
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