As I sit here with my students writing attentively I am
overwhelmed by who they are becoming as young men and women. I was lucky enough to have many of these
students in 3rd grade and have gotten to see them grow not only
educationally, but also see their personalities blossom.
The assignment was to write a letter thanking an adult on
our campus. My instructions were simple…why are you thankful for this person
and what would you want to tell them if you had the opportunity. As a teacher I
shamefully admit that I thought this assignment would be sloughed off by the
students seeing as it is the week before Christmas break. To my surprise and
delight they have proven me very wrong.
Each one of them thoughtfully considered who they would
write their letter to. They brain stormed their ideas (many filling a page with
a bubble map of ideas and reasons they were thankful). Then they set to
writing. Usually in my classroom there is a low dull noise of talking…not this
time. It was silent! They were working fiercely and thoughtfully. The sweet
writing that came from their hearts had me in tears after they went to P.E.
Each letter had been filled with genuine reasons of thanks!
I was so proud of my 5th grade babies, not only for their technical
skills but also the way that they wrote from their growing little hearts.
Teaching is a difficult profession with daily challenges,
but after reading those letters I am reminded of how precious an opportunity I
am blessed with everyday, growing the minds and hearts of our future adults.
Thank you Lord for this honor you have given me!