Unconditional :)

The last few days have been amazing and I realized the need to start writing down some of the things that are going on in the classroom. As a student I knew that some days would be harder than others. The rewards far outweigh the challenges but there are challenges. Struggling students academically or behaviourally, bad weather, computers not working properly, all these things can really give you a run for your money.  

This year I wanted to try something different. Focus more on the community of my classroom and build out. Extended kindness to each other. That is the hard part for everyone. Unconditional kindness and understanding. We are all in a different position kids included. This week the efforts we have been taking in class have started to show results.  We discussed quality of life in Social Studies and all realized that everyone is in different places and some struggle with a place to live or good food to eat or even a family that loves them and that we can help in those situations. 

A few great things happened this week already that proved we are on the right track. First the Kindergarten "stole" one of our fancy reading chairs (they didn't really steal it but the kids felt that way). They needed it because the chair has a convertible hood that kids can use to just block out everything and read. In my class we have a schedule that is posted. Some kids were really bothered by the fact they were losing their turn because the chair was taken. We had this discussion about needs and explained why the chair was gone and while they did not like that they lost out they immediately saw that the needs of the kindergarten child and how the chair may help them learn better were at a far greater level of importance than their "wants".

Excellent moment 2 came when a student asked if he could spend his daily 5 time reading and visiting with a child with struggles in my classroom. The joy they both shared reading and talking about Sharks was incredible. A student that is happy to isolate themselves and do their own thing was so engaged with this other student it was amazing.

Today a student was upset and unable to express what caused it. When other students noticed this their reaction was not one of mocking or teasing but of genuine concern, unconditional kindness. One said Mr,. Gilson it makes me sad and my eyes water when I see them upset. I will say I might have had my "eyes water" a bit after. 

I love teaching, I am infinitely grateful for the students that I get to work with this year and their parents that have helped to instil this unconditional kindness that will surely help to build a fantastic community of learners this year in Grade 3.

I will try to update more :)

Cheers

Mr.G