Why I teach February 27, 2008
Posted by brandy in happiness, hello universe? I love you, is it weird this makes me cry?, the J.O.B., these are the things that happen to me, work, youth.trackback
There is one seven year old boy in my class who reminds me of Walter Matthau. And for those of you who need a little refresher, this is Walter:
Please note that this particular child doesn’t dress like a lawyer from the 70’s- but his facial expressions are dead on. In short- this child looks miserable. Every morning my Mini- Walter comes grumbling into school. Every morning I say good morning to him and he grumps off to his desk. Every afternoon I ask him how his recess was and he mumbles something about “there’s not any fun things to do around here”. At the end of every school day I see him off with a smile and he shows me something I know he feels is a smile but looks more like a grimace. And every night I drive home wondering what he’s thinking, if he’s getting what he needs when he’s at school.
Today the children filled out an “About Me” page. We had a new student join the class and I thought it would be a fun activity for them to do- fill out the sheet on likes/dislikes, what they wanted to be when they grew up and favourite colors. The students worked harder and were more thoughtful in answering their questions than I had anticipated. My min-Walter handed me his at the end of the day and I put it on my desk so I could help do up winter coats.
After the hallways cleared and the silence settled in, I grabbed the completed sheets to put up on the bulletin board. I giggled as I read how the children disliked ’spinatche’ and wanted to be ‘waitrs’ and ‘azztrotnots’ when they grew up. But my smile turned into a few hot tears as I stapled my Mini Walters sheet to the wall. He had listed his dislikes as ‘murnings’ and ‘brockolee’, but under his likes he only had one- my name.
I drove home tonight proud of myself and feeling far more confident in my teaching abilities than I ever have.
It’s funny what 8 letters written by a 7 year old can do to a girl.
it makes it all worth it in the end, doesn’t it? I think it’s more sweet sometimes because educators are oft overlooked when it comes to being thanked!
You ARE a great teacher!
Aww I love this story! I have a grumpy pants in my class too who is constantly putting a negative spin on everything. We had this arts in the school thing where there was a live performance of Peter Pan but it was funny and they took kids from the audience to be a part of the play and it was narrated by this really hot fucking guy … ooops … tangent. ANYWAY. Going into the play grumpy kept saying how he doesn’t want to go blah blah blah. When he’s finally there, I made sure to keep an eye on him to see if he’s enjoying himself which he was. IMMENSELY. However, we get back to class and he’s all “that was so boring, I didn’t like it at all!” So I called him on it. I said, “You found that boring? I watched you because I wanted to make sure that you were having fun and I was so happy to see you smiling and laughing! It’s ok to like something and be happy about doing different things!” His response to that? Full out tears. I’m talking red face, blubbering chin, ooze coming out of nose cry. So I don’t know where this tough guy exterior is stemming from but I”m trying my best to break it down, because he’s a good kid trying to be this tough “I don’t give a shit” guy. Today he was following me around the class and when I’d say, “Do you need something?”, his answer was “nope” with a smile on his face. So I think that wall is slowly coming down.
Thanks for the story Brandy! It makes me love my job even more when I hear of them!
Girl, I know what you mean. I’m so glad you’ve kept up with him and been such an encouragement. Sometimes, you will never know how much you mean to those precious children. I absolutely adore teaching, so it’s too bad I’m not doing it as a chosen profession.
That’s so great.
Aw! I seriously cannot stop smiling right now. Keep up the good work!
That is such a sweet story.
Aww. I teared up. Had a couple of those before, and they were my favorites (shh, I’m not supposed to have any).
that is so so sweet!!! aww i would have teared too! i’m sure you’re a fantastic teacher. kids really are the best judges of that, and mini-walter (i’m still laughing at that visual) has spoken his truth
Oh that is just awesome Brandy. I am sure days like this keep you going for weeks. You must be a great teacher. Oh, and pass the tissue please, I know those hot tears!
ps your comment? SO TRUE. if someone makes it known they think you’re funny that’s huge for confidence and subsequent funniness!!
This is exactly how I feel at my camp some days. Exactly.
Why weren’t you my teacher when I was little?
I got warm fuzzies reading this B-R-A-N-D-Y. How great to discover this at the end of your day. Now you make me want to teach because I love this sort of stuff. Airam’s comment is also very nice to read. Male teachers are a dime a dozen though aren’t they?
That is soooo sweet. Although a bit sad he could only find one like.
This is a super sweet story. The worrier in me has to ask though- are you sure everything’s okay at home? It’s hard to tell if he’s just a pessimist or maybe something’s wrong?
As a former teacher I can fullly appreciate the wonderful feeling you had at reading that - it is nothing short of amazing how you touch these children’s lives - you rock!
Oh my God, cutest thing ever. I think I WAS the Grumpy Pants at school actually! x
That made me tear up. So sweet
Aw, I love this. (Who wouldn’t?) It’s one thing to feel appreciated and know you’re doing a good job in your job, but when it comes from the person, the child you’re making a difference for, it’s got to mean so much more.
Hooray for you! What a great thing to have happen to you!
that is awesome.
Wow. The ones you don’t think you are getting through too are the ones who appreciate it the most.
that’s the best story i’ve heard in a while
What an amazing story! That is why I loved teaching so much!
Not weird that it makes you cry at all because I’m sitting here bawling. That is an awesome story and thanks for sharing!
Oh, and I love Walter Matthau. If this kid really does mimic Walter’s facial expressions, then I have a feeling that I would absolutely love this kid.
I really hope he really has more “favorite” things (if you understand what I’m saying)…it was really cute that he only put you down though!
How adorable! Sounds like the two of you have a connection.
Aw! I have the biggest smile on my face right now!
That is just the best story ever!!! I hope you copied it to have a version to keep for yourself.
What a great story. Good for you for being this kid’s only bright spot. Though, it tugs at your heartstrings when you think what that means his home life is like. Educators are inspiring - keep up the good work!
Absolutely brilliant story. I wish something like that could happen to me! Seriously what is more rewarding then a child’s honesty and affection?
Keep up the good work!
awww its so awesome that someone can have such an impact on a child’s life. what a cute story!
Adorable.
Absolutely freaking adorable. I can’t handle it.
When I substituted, even though I gave out candy, my 7th graders told me they liked the other sub better. Um, I gave out CANDY! And I’m YOUNG! The other sub is ancient!!! Serves me right for agreeing to teach middle school kids.
This is such a sweet story. Oh Walter!
That just made my heart happy. Thanks for sharing.
serious case of the warm-fuzzies
this should be included in the “so you want to be a teacher?” handbook
Wow, that kid’s life must REALLY suck.
In all seriousness, that’s tremendously sweet. Like I just made an audible ‘awwwww’ moan at my monitor. Luckily all of my coworkers already think I’m off my rocker so no one noticed.
As an aside, how is it I keep Bloglines up throughout the day but I’m always like the last to post a comment on your site? Feels like a conspiracy. I’m just saying.
That’s so sweet
It must feel really good to know that you are making a difference in little Walter’s life. You must make the BEST teacher.
Oh! I will be writing you back SOON, but wanted to say that I’m pumped about this little project with your class that you have somehow involved me in on! Woot!
AWW!!
AWWWW!!! What a great story. Doesn’t that make you feel great or what! so sweet.
You need to stop these positive stories of elementary school munchkins being so heartwarming. I only just convinced myself that I was best cut out for high school, too.
Curses!
http://awaitingtenure.wordpress.com/
How precious!!! It must feel amazing to know you’re making a difference in the lives of those kids. If not, you really ought to give yourself a LOT more credit. Good work, Brandy!
Oh that is the sweetest thing ever. This poor little kid. It must be good to know that your smiling friendliness is helping him even if he never cracks a smile.
Does he sound like Walter Matthau? Cause that’d be funny.
Ohhh…ohhhh…that is way too cute for me to even stand. I always did like Walter Matthau, and, clearly, his reincarnation is going to be quite the guy.
Awww! I would have cooed but I’m still at work.
sometimes i wish i was a teacher. little kids can definitely warm our hearts pretty easily.
Yay! You’re definitely making your mark on the world.
My mom was a first grade teacher for 20 years, and an excellent one (now she’s moved on to being an excellent principal). All of my friends had her, and 95% of them said she was their favorite teacher. She was/is awesome. I think you might enjoy this story about her mini-Mathau.
One particularly large Catholic family in my hometown sent all 10 of their children to my mom’s class. The entire family is loud, gregarious, extroverted, and generally good natured. Save for one of the sons, who is the human version of Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Eeyore.
On little Eeyore’s first day of school, he comes slowly trudging up the hill to his hours, just a few blocks from the school. His siblings outran him and had already been home for 5 or 10 minutes, but not little E. He just slowly shuffled home. His mom (who is lovely!) met him and the door and said, “Hi E! How was your first day of school?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Alright, I guess” moped little E.
“Tell me, what was the best thing about today, then?” asked lovely mom.
“Well. At least I didn’t get run over by a bus while I was walking home.”
You Make My Day! I blog tag you.
Heh. I’m like how you describe that kid just about every day at work, mumbling and all.
Sweet story. My Mom was a teacher, and I know despite all the difficulties, hardships, tons of work, and lousy pay, it was things like that that made it all worthwhile. You got through to one. Congrats.
I work with college students, and I never get affirmation like that - maybe I should switch fields!
There’s a pretty good chance that just warmed my little heart, and maybe kinda sorta brought a few tears to my eyes. Because I’m a sap.
From the mouths of babes, I love this.
I love how one person (you miss Brandy) can make an otherwise unhappy kids day, just by being you. Teacher’s are highly underratted, underpaid but honestly have a huge part in shaping our kids.
Let me know when it is appropriate to make my joke…not wanting to take a thing away from what is a darn nice “warm fuzzy”….
ok, joke time…”It’s funny what 8 letters written by a 7 year old can do to a girl”…isn’t that what Mary Kay Laterno said started it all?
Happy Friday!
Aw. My heart is sad for this little boy but at the same time so glad that he has you to look forward to each day. When I think about a child that age being so glum I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in his life. There’s so much to like at that age. Oh well he’s got you and that’s pretty huge!
OMG, I just totally started crying, too. I can totally picture his little face! Little kids break my heart. I took my grandma to see The Kite Runner this week and pretty much bawled the entire time.
That got my tears a goin’ too B - but I’ve always known that you weren’t just making a difference in OUR lives honey so I wasn’t surprised to hear what Mini-Walter had to say.
Aw…made me get all teary.
This brought tears to my eyes. You are making a difference in this child’s life and he will remember you forever! We need more teachers like you in this world.
I hope my children have a teacher like you someday! You’re making a difference! =)
This also made me think of that horrible teacher in Houston… did you hear about that? Listening to that tape made me sick to my stomach.
That was such a great post and so sweet! I picture you to be very passionate teacher and lil’ Walter is very lucky to be taught by you.
I have always loved Walter Matthau!
Aw. Just… aw.
oh my god that made me tear up completely! oh wow.
Oh how wonderful. Now I want a mini walter
I once worked with a kid who used to have a miserable look on his face and one day i said (in a joking sort of way) “Hey buddy, what’s up? Is there something wrong?” And his reply? “Nothing. I just look this way. There is nothing wrong. I just wish people would stop asking what’s wrong.”
It did occur to me that it must have driven him mad. And probably made him grumpy. Certainly made me interact with him a little differently from then on.
Great story Brandy. These are the kids that touch the heart and make it all worthwhile.
as a daughter of a dedicated kindgergarten teacher, this post? made me cry. tears. down my face. but good tears.
thankyou for sharing this brandy- it sounds like you are exactly in the field you need to be.
xo
I… totally teared-up when I read that.
Thanks for the warm-fuzzies
Wow…That is awesome!
People like you need to be in the classroom, you are a special person!
I would have teared up too, you should be so proud of yourself because he will always remember you.
Oh, that so sweet!! It’s so good to know that there are teachers like you out there!!
Just beautiful
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