The child arrives like a mystery box…
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing…
and others just seem to hide
But the HEART of a
teacher can sort them out…
and help the child to
see
the potential for
greatness he has within…
a picture of what he can
be
Her goal isn’t just to teach knowledge…
by filling the box with more parts
it’s putting the pieces together…
to create a work of art
The process is
painfully slow at times…
some need more help than
others
each child is a work in
progress…
with assorted shapes and
colors
First she creates a classroom…
where the child can feel safe in school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try…
and kindness is always the rule
She knows that a
child
can achieve much more
when he feels secure
inside
when he’s valued and loved…
and believes in himself…
and he has a sense of pride
She models and
teaches good character…
and respect for one
another
how to focus on
strengths…not weaknesses…
and how to encourage
each other
She gives the child the freedom he needs…
to make choices on his own
so he learns to become more responsible…
and is able to stand alone
He’s taught to be strong and think for himself
as his soul and spirit
heal
and the puzzle that’s
taking shape inside…
has a much more positive
feel
The child discovers the joy that comes
from learning something new…
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things that he can do
A picture is formed as more pieces fit…
an image of the child within
with greater strength
and confidence…
and a belief that he can
win!
All because a hero was there…
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more…
than he ever imagined…or dared
A teacher with a
HEART for her children…
knows what teaching is
all about
she may not have all the
answers…
but on this…she has no
doubt
When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled…
“It’s not the subjects that matter…
It’s all about teaching the CHILD”
© Paula Fox
2008
Here are two additional quotes that I love
To
My Colleagues,
I
would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Dr. Davis and to all of
you for your support through the sharing of your ideas, insights and
experiences throughout this course. By reading and participating in the group
discussions and blogs, it has helped to inspire me to continue to seek
greatness as I journey through my learning in the early childhood field. I look
forward to working with you in future classes.
I wish all of you Good luck as we embark on our wonderful journey as
professional in the Early Childhood Field. Thanks Again
Zephirina,
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for this beautiful poem you selected. It really does sum up the most important aspects of what we are trying to do as teachers. Anyone that does not feel as passionate about children as described in the poem has no business teaching! You are incredibly thoughtful and I have enjoyed reading your blog and discussion posts.
Hi Zephirina, it was once again good to have you here to read your blogs and view your insights on child development and how we can improve or assist the way in which we in the Caribbean go about influencing the child's development. I hope you continue in good stead throughout your studies, the race is not for the swift but who can endure.
ReplyDelete