DaMan

I don't know what words to use to explain this picture but here's a brief synopsis of the conversation that took place before I snapped a picture.

Miss Holland: DeWayne, do I need to call your grandmother so she can see how you're behaving in my class?

DeWayne: You can call her but she ain't gonna come up here.

Miss Holland: And why is that?

DeWayne: She don't got no gas so she can't get up here.

Miss Holland (to myself): How in the world am I ever going to get this child to sit in his desk and learn?!

While the exchange was somewhat amusing because of DeWayne's quick wit, it also hit me that this is a reality that their families face day in and day out. Often times, their lives are contingent upon gas in the car or money in their pocket. Credit cards and bank accounts don't exist, nor a saving account for that matter. How do you reach a 7 year old boy like this who's momma and grandmother don't have a way to get to school to meet with their son/grandson's teacher?

Prayer

To me, the best part of my job is getting to talk about Jesus with my students. It's something that I take for granted at school. I forget about those teachers that can't utter a word about religion, much less get to pray with their students. The sweetest part of the day is watching the kids recite the Lord's prayer with morning announcements. Here is sweet Deandre praying. I rarely close my eyes during the prayer because the sight of 16 second graders reciting the Lord's prayer is something I don't want to miss. If this picture doesn't tug at your heart, then you should come sit in on prayer request time. The weight of the world that rests on their shoulders is almost too much to bare. "I pray for my daddy to get out jail, my momma to get a job, to have my lights turned on, no more bugs in my house" are the most common prayer requests in my room that I would very much like to have answered for these sweet children.

Teaching 7 and 8 year-olds the power of prayer is the most precious, sweet time of my day!

Gingerbread Man Scavenger Hunt

Here are a few pictures from the "Gingerbread Man" scavenger hunt around Yellowstone while we were reading the wonderful children's story in November. Imagine 32 second graders on a scavenger hunt around the school to find the gingerbread men that ran away while they were at PE. Such a fun activity!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This semester has been a bit crazy so I apologize for the lack of posts. I have 16 smiling (most of the time) faces in room 109. Sixteen may seem like a small number, but I assure you that their personalities and attitudes make up for the small number! Here are some snapshots of the last semester....

Two words: heart melter. This is Wilson and he was in my class last year...he's taking a victory lap.

I don't know what else to say except this boy has got me wrapped around his finger.

This little muffin is Deandre. This pictures sums up the first day of school after taking several pictures. Although he is one of nine children, living in extreme poverty, he comes to school with a smile on his face and enjoys life to the fullest (Although this picture doesn't necessarily speak for his happiness but I had to post it because I think it's hilarious!) When Deandre is upset, he comes and sits in my lap where I can feel his anger instantly melt away. It's amazing how the sense of touch affects a little boy, especially when those moments of love and care are few and far between.