When I work with struggling readers, I see noticeable improvement in ability. For some, it is the learning of letters and their sounds, for others it is the decoding of words on the page and for others still it is improved fluency. Despite the skills we practice, the key is confidence.

Most of these students are aware that their peers find reading easier than they do. But by providing targeted instruction for their specific ability levels, we can help them take small steps of success. Each small step gives a necessary boost of confidence.

Some of these students will catch up to their peers but most will likely lag a little behind. Regardless, they will make gains and find success. I won’t have it any other way.

Last Tuesday at Faith Development Day, David Wells challenged us to examine the ‘why’ of what we do. He reminded us that what matters most in teaching is not measurable.

During the last few weeks, I’ve run into four former students: now adults. It was interesting to hear their excitement as they reminisced about their elementary school days. I also enjoyed hearing what they’re up to now. Our accidental reunions put context to the ‘why’ referred to by David Wells.

We know that our students won’t remember the specifics of each day. They may not even remember what units we taught them. But what they will remember is whether or not they were loved and respected. They will remember you.

Religion. Race. Both have surfaced many times this week. The news headlines in the U.S. The shooting in Quebec last Sunday. An activity to help our students understand the experiences of the indigenous peoples of Canada. And last night a play at the Citadel, Disgraced: a dinner party soured by talk of religion and race.

Our identities are complicated: affected by our upbringing, our values and our experiences. No two individuals exactly the same. And never entirely predictable, either.

When I look at the students in our classrooms, I see individuals. I don’t give much thought to what someone looks like, his or her cultural background, or the prayers he or she says. Despite our religion or race, we all crave one thing: to be valued.

This video exemplifies this need and demonstrates the influence we hold as teachers. (Not to mention the power of words…)

 

By the end of the holiday season I have a stack of books to take me into January. The other night I chose a book from the stack, ran a bath, settled into the bubbles and cracked the spine of a new novel. Bliss!

Each time I begin a book, I wonder what world I will fall into and who I will meet on this journey of a few hundred pages. I adore meeting new characters and look forward to returning to them each evening. I love escaping reality and getting lost in the pages.

Perhaps Stephen King says it best: “Books are uniquely portable magic.”

 

As I have watched the world news over the last few months, feelings of anger, disbelief and a profound sadness quickly surface: an incredulity at where we find ourselves in society. There has been a recent shift from thoughtful, eloquent and inspiring to reactionary, rash and rude. As a lover of words, I have found this more than a little disturbing.

On Saturday – for the first time in many months – I watched the news and felt strengthened by humanity. I saw hope in the unity of people across the world.

We teach our students not to be bullies. We also teach them not to be bystanders when they see an injustice. To do something. To say something. Yesterday, more than a million people worldwide showed they will not be bystanders. They will not tolerate racism, bigotry or an abuse of power. They will stand together for what is right and just. I stand with them.

Whether the bully is 9 or 70, we cannot be bystanders. Words are powerful. Theirs and ours. I will use mine to defend those without a voice. I will use mine to show solidarity to all those who find themselves on the receiving end of intolerance and abuse. I will use mine to echo those of Martin Luther King Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Where do you stand?

Last week I met a family who recently moved from El Salvador. When I met them, the temperature was minus thirty.

I tried to put myself in their shoes: in a new country and culture, not knowing the language, away from all things familiar, in frigid temperatures previously unimaginable.

I wonder if they question why we live here. I’m sure many people do. Yet even in extreme cold, we still function: schools stay open, busses run. In fact, in the midst of the cold spell last week I saw a man out jogging.

And as much as I welcome a warm holiday now and then, I am always happy to return. I appreciate the four seasons and the changes they bring throughout the year. Today, my walk with the pooch was especially enjoyable with the considerably warmer temperatures. Perspective is everything.

 

Too often the world news is both heartbreaking and discouraging. Yet the holiday season inspires me with good news stories: communities coming together to prepare Christmas meals for the homeless, school children making and delivering Christmas cards to seniors, the restaurant in Montreal with a sign indicating that even if you cannot pay, you can still eat.

I believe that all people deserve dignity and respect despite their circumstance. I believe in the goodness of humanity. Most importantly, I believe that each of us can make a difference.

In the words of Pope Francis: “To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”

 

With the hectic nature of this time of year – concerts, last minute shopping, wrapping, baking, more shopping, more wrapping, another concert – it can be easy to lose perspective.

A magnet on my fridge reminded me, “Today is the greatest day available.” Whatever else is going on, be sure to enjoy the moment: the stranger who holds the door open, finding a parking stall, Silent Night playing on the radio, the lights glistening on the tree, the laughter of children.

Despite the frenzy or the fatigue, enjoy today.

Last week while working with one of my small groups, I asked a student if she was ready. Her reply: “I was born ready!” She said it with such gusto that all of us burst into laughter.

This from a little girl who was quite discouraged and disheartened last year. Learning is difficult for her. And yet, she has made great strides and found a glimmer of hope.  She now understands that these symbols on a page hold meaning. She has found the key to the literate world and she is truly feeling empowered.

Words really do change worlds!

One of my goals with my struggling readers is to be as consistent as possible. Normally I’m pretty good at honouring this goal. Yet lately my schedule and my days have been a little hectic. I’ve been away a couple of days, and when I have been at school a few issues surfaced that demanded my immediate attention.

When my little readers arrive at my office door, bookbags in hand, and they realize that I’m busy, their shoulders tend to sag. And on Friday when I went into a grade one class to ask the students if they wanted to read with me that afternoon (since I missed their morning time), it was art class. Both students chose to read.

These kids are doing their part: I will keep trying to do mine!

“The world belongs to those who read.” Rick Holland