03-18, The Silver Lining: My Tiny Writer

My new “classroom” & new “students.” Michael (15), Christopher (12), Isaiah (7) & Jonathan (3).

My life has changed in many ways in recent days. Income lost. Deadlines delayed. Clients dismayed. And my dining room has become my classroom.

It’s been many years since I taught in the classroom. I’d been honing my skills as a literacy coach, speaker, consultant, writer. I’ve liked it so much. Yet, I found myself up all night long trying to put together lesson plans for my four boys. I was feverishly working to set up my new “classroom.”

Thrust back into the role of a full-time teacher, I couldn’t help but note the tingling sensation that used to crawl up my spine every early August. I was anticipating my “students’” arrival. Preparing their “desks.” Considering their needs and anticipating an amazing day.

It was not easy, but it was worth it, and my greatest reward was that my reluctant, first grader, who has hated writing because of his developmental spelling, was so excited after a lesson that he wanted to write me six…stories.

Isaiah’s Writer’s Notebook

I told him that he didn’t have to worry about the stories just yet. They were kinda like “ingredients” in a special dish. They might not look quite right in the beginning, but we could fix them – like the icing on the cake. He finished the analogy for me well before I got to the end. He embraced it, and the magic began. Here’s one of his amazing stories – and the reason that lifted my spirits, despite all of the challenges that lie ahead.

Translation: There is a hideous monster attacking the city. Eventually, a super hero in the sky saves the city. (Isaiah is my little superhero – and my future writer!)

And this is why I teach. Because teaching equals, love.

#carlamichelle #theteacherforlife #theclassroomiswhereyoumakeit #lifelessons #teachkidstowrite