Waiting on the World to Change

This week I was reminded about the short amount of time, we all have with our little ones (or big ones as the case might be).  In my world, the best case scenario is that I get a year with them and then I get five more years to see them in the hallway, see their families at school events, and keep tabs on them even when they go to middle school.  This week I was reminded of the harsh reality of the opposite end of the spectrum, about how little of time we get sometimes.  It can be the harshest reality when you are building your career on relationships.  Sometimes, the most you get is a month with weekends included and a few days missed in between.

As the mass shootings in public places rises and the nation continues to debate on gun safety, mental health and whether or not is the Democrats or the Republicans that are screwing up the nation, I really try hold onto the fact that the our little time in room 29 can make a difference.  It is so hard being accountable for things that are so beyond our control in education and unless you are living in the day to day grind of planning lessons, assessing, intervening, behavior management, and everything else, then even if you think you understand the impact it takes on your health and your heart, you probably do not.  

As we count down to Winter Break, Room 29 is working on random acts of kindness.  My class has really been into what each day holds as a challenge to show kindness while also remembering to do the things from other days as well.  The acts have included: telling someone good morning or good afternoon, asking someone how their day has been, making a note for someone, sitting by someone new at lunch and snack, and sharing our smile.  The frame sits at our writing center until centers then I usually move it so the children can use the writing center.  Friday afternoon as I moved the frame, one of the little ones got upset that I moved it because she was using it as a "resource" for her writing.  Then later during centers, I look over and she has a clipboard and is laying on the floor copying items off the countdown and wanting to share kindness with others including teachers by giving them her writing.  It was a simple gesture but a sweet reminder.  Sometimes the days are hard or the hustle and bustle of the season takes away from the joy.  Little things are a big deal especially when the reality is there is no forever.