Transformative Moment

The life of a teacher is made up of a flurry of activity. Fractions, space, Canada, recess, spelling. In amongst these busy days are moments that we will never forget. It is these moments that reassure us that our successes and our failures are worth it. 

During my short practicum I read the book "It's Okay to Be Different" by Todd Parr for a connecting lesson. Students were given sticky notes to place on a page that they connected to from their own life experiences. We read through the story twice. The first time I modeled connecting to a page, and explained why I had connected to it. One of the pages I connected to said, "It is okay to wear glasses." I explained that when I got glasses I was nervous that I would be teased, or that I might look funny. Once the students had placed their sticky notes in the book I asked if anyone would like to share what they connected with. One boy shared that he had just got glasses last week and he had felt nervous to wear them as well. Several other students shared out, and than the same boy raised his hand again. He asked if he could go and get his glasses from his desk. He came back proudly wearing his glasses. 

I was amazed at how something so simple I said had an affect on the way this little boy perceived himself. It made me realize how much the things that we do as teachers have an impact on our students. It also made me realize that we can make difference in their lives by the smallest things. Inspiring and caring for my students is important to me. I want to continue to create an environment where my students are comfortable to wear their glasses or have braces and not be afraid. My life experiences can encourage this, which became so obvious through this moment.