This is a post that has been read by far more bloggers than other posts. It is a constant with bloggers, most of whom I do not know. It’s one of my favorite’s, too, so I thought my readers would enjoy this, the second time around. This is me!
Times have changed. Teaching has far more demands than it used to. Required paperwork, overcrowded classes, and lack of support begins to take its toll. At first it all seems manageable. That fire of wanting to teach keeps the motor running. Then bit by bit, as demands and expectations increase, it becomes more difficult to keep the fire burning. The love becomes lost.
Teachers are quitting.
Children have changed, too. Their lives have less (or little) room for play. Most of their waking hours are structured – from school to sports to after school activities. Oh, and then the homework. Frankly, homework in the early grades should be reading. Period.
Children are often coming to school feeling everything from anger to being overwhelmed. They may not know why, they just know they aren’t feeling happy.
Is it any wonder that America’s children are ranked 26th in reading among the world?
I am a teacher. I have seen the wear and tear on other teachers. I have seen children who are failing to thrive in school. Yet, I have found an answer, a way, that makes a difference. It keeps me going, and it makes a world of difference to the children I teach. I call it “The Hundred Little Things.”
Many years ago when I began teaching, I was a good teacher. Yet, there was a faint ‘you and me wall.’ All teachers have it. It labels our job. It is the distinction between the teacher and the student. It’s not a bad thing at all. Actually, it’s necessary and natural. Then something remarkable happened, a moment with a child. Andrew was a child who was often distant. I just hadn’t connected with him. One day at rest time, after chapter reading, I was laying down on the floor rubbing children’s backs. The room was dark and all the children had fallen asleep – except for Andrew. I turned my head and so did he. Our eyes met at the same time. We both smiled. It was a moment, a knowing moment, as if we were the only two people in the whole world.
It changed me. I became a child-centered teacher. My curriculum and focus was now based on the interests of the children. More importantly, I was keenly aware of how children felt, not just feelings of anger or happiness, but feelings of interest and disinterest. If an activity was so-so, I scrapped it. If something lit a fuse, I fanned the fire. Often that ‘something’ was sparked by a story or a song. For example, the continuous singing of a favorite song could drive a teacher crazy. Instead, I tried to see it from the perspective of the child, and I allowed them to build on the song – eventually making a quilt that hangs in a national place of prominence.
The faint ‘you and me wall’ was gone.
If I could hang onto what children loved, remembering and focusing on those moments, that filled me up. I felt joyful. The day at school could have been awful, but if there was something, a remarkable question, a deep discussion during chapter reading, a spontaneous hug, a belly laugh, discovering something in nature, then that was the important part of my day. Obviously it was the important part of the children’s day, too.
I was not only surviving teaching, I was thriving. I was becoming ‘one’ with children. I found joy. And every time I embraced a moment, children knew. How did this effect them? They burst, exploding with more questions and ideas. And I responded in kind.
I decided to write about those moments, those ‘hundred little things’. That helped cement what happened each day, and kept me focused on what really mattered. And, I could then pass those stories along to parents and fellow teachers. “See what happened today? This is what the children learned/enjoyed/questioned.” was my message. That writing has fanned my fire, keeping teaching survival in the right focus (the children) and keeping joy alive.
I have survived teaching and found joy.
Jennie
Amen to all the above, Jennie 🙏🏼
I knew you would feel the same way, Ritu.
And the love shows in your work. Very good, Jennie.
That’s so nice, Steve. Many thanks!
Thanks for re-posting this, Jennie. Maybe what you have learned about teaching can inspire and/or revive a few teachers who are feeling burnt out and/or run down.
You get it, Will. That’s what I hope happens. Fellow teachers need positivity. Many thanks!
This is so wonderful and should be part of teacher training. Bless you, Jennie.
Well, I feel it should be, too. Thank you, Darlene!
That moment with Andrew breaking down the ‘you and me wall’ was so beautifully written! It’s incredible how a single quiet connection can completely transform an entire approach to teaching. Thank you for resharing this priceless reminder, Jennie!
That moment changed my teaching. Thank you so much. Yes, a moment can change everything.
It really is incredible how a single, profound moment can reshape an entire path and philosophy. 🤍 Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story, Jennie—it’s a powerful reminder of the deep impact thoughtful teaching has. Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful week ahead! 😊
My pleasure, and thank you! Teaching has such a deep impact for sure.
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You are welcome, and it does.
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I think you and I had very similar philosophies about teaching. I had fun with the kids. We laughed a lot, and we worked hard. The kids felt good about their accomplishments and were thrilled to learn to read. My reward was to see them smiling as they left the school each day, calling out happily, “See you tomorrow!” as they turned to tell their parents, “Guess what we learned today.”
I agree that homework for very young children is too much. I was not set any homework until the first year of senior school, when I was 11. Before that, we were encouraged to read when not in class. As for the rest, as I have said many times before, your teaching methods should be taught at every teacher training school, and not just in America.
Best wishes, Pete.
Reading instead of homework until age 11 – wow! That’s wonderful. Your kind words are near and dear to my heart, Pete. Many, many thanks!
Gosh, Jennie, I wish that I had had a teacher like you. This is a very wonderful post.
Awww… that’s so nice, Tish. Thank you!
I think your lessons can extend to how parents relate to their children. Having a one on one relationship with a child is the best experience in the world.
You are exactly right, John. When a parent has that relationship with their child, it’s a wonderful experience for both.
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Thank you for this uplifting post! My brother and I didn’t have homework assigned until 7th grade. (And yes, I read instead!)
That is music to my teaching ears, Liz!
When my daughter brought homework home in elementary school, I was incredulous!
I bet you were!
Teaching without all the administrative strings. I love how you described your change.
Thank you, Jacqui. Those strings can be a killer.
This is a beautifully written and insightful account of why teachers teach – and a call to action to protect the children who are being poisoned by social media…the percentage of those who read, including adults, continues to plummet and so do our overall scores as a country.
Thank you, John. Yes, it’s why teachers teach, and social media is definitely poisoning children. Good Lord, just turn off the computer and read to kids. It’s such a natural thing for children and so easy to do. Reading scores are terrible… but how many teachers read aloud to their class with passion? It’s okay to cry in front of the kids when Charlotte dies in Charlotte’s Web, or when Jack the dog gets lost in the creek in Little House on the Prairie. That’s what kids need, and that will create readers. That’s a big teacher problem.
I never tire of your posts, Jennie. Thank you for this one. Hugs.
I’m so glad, Teagan! Many thanks and big hugs!
Great information Jennie
Thank you, Willow!
So lovely…every word. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Vicki!
Always my pleasure, Jennie! 💝😊💝
I enjoyed reading this post again, Jennie. It’s always about the connection between teacher and student. Children don’t remember the curriculum; they remember how they feel about their teacher. Of course, we benefit as much as our students. We always need to make sure that we make school a safe and supportive space where kids are loved.
Pete, you are spot on. Children don’t remember the curriculum, they remember their teacher and how they felt. I said to John Rieber that teachers need to read aloud in school with passion, and it’s okay to cry. You always did that! It’s a great way to connect and encourage reading. Yes, we definitely benefit as much as the students, which is why we continue to teach. Many thanks for your wonderful words.
Good to read it again, you’re a star Jennie, wish all eachers were like you, you should write a Teaching For Dummies book!
Awww… that’s so nice, FR. Thank you! I am writing a book with all my stories to inspire teachers.
Excellent!
Thanks!!
And you are a teacher in your heart and soul, Jennie –
Thanks, Beth!
Beautiful, like you Jennie.
Awww… thank you, Cindy!
A thoughtful and beautiful post, Jennie!
Thanks so much, Cathy.
Jennie, thank heavens you survived teaching on behalf of all you have taught in your career, and in doing so, you have also taught us here through your posts how very special the profession can be for those who take it on.
That’s so nice, Bruce. Thank you. If I have inspired and taught others, that’s as good as it gets.
This is wonderful, Jennie. Teaching is one of those careers that should be seen more as a calling than a job. You found joy because you looked for ways to bring joy to your students.
Thanks so much, Dan. Yes, teaching is a calling. You said it perfectly! If only everyone could find joy in their work, it would spread like wildfire, right?
It would. I always liked my work. Fortunately, I found something I enjoy in retirement.
My sister, mother, grandmother, niece, aunt, cousins… are all teachers – teachers are SO important in shaping our future – thank you for being one of them!! xox
They are, indeed. I’m so glad to be one, like your relatives. Thank you.
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I am not surprised this post hit the spot for so many readers Jennie… parents, grandparents and those thinking about starting a family. Teaching is a vocation and I have often said how lucky your children are to have you as their mentor…All our education systems are failing their teachers and students with far too many 16 year olds deemed functionally illiterate.
I subscribe to the hundred little things in life in general… and when I joined a new company that was struggling I sent out a sheet of paper to all 350 staff at all levels “101 small changes” asking for their suggestions to improving customer service, service provision, working environment etc. We put many of the ideas into action including our front reception staff learning sign language as we had several deaf customers. The little things matter. ♥
What a wonderful comment, Sally. Thank you! Your story is a great example of how little things make a big difference. Unfortunately those who are in charge of education have never been in a classroom.
This was absolutely, profoundly beautiful Jennie. That’s why you are a gem to the children. Stay true! 🧡💜
Aww… that’s so nice, Debby. Thank you! 💕
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Your children are so fortunate to have you… Bless you:).
Thank you, Sarah. 💕
The children must surely love you, Jennie. You’re an inspiration to them!
That’s so nice, Stevie. Thank you! 🥰
I can so relate. I taught young adults and loved the daily challenges. And treasured the hugs!
It is wonderful!
This is such a wonderful post Jennie and no wonder it is so popular as a post.
I think many should read this, and many who, like myself, would be nodding along with approval. Teaching is certainly a rewarding profession and a hard task to do. Sometimes in the pace of life we forget what is important, and that is children need space to learn. Not monitored and judged with everything they do.
I was a play worker, and that certainly made me a much better and more empathetic teacher. Play is important as well as the enjoyment of learning.
I’m enjoying a limited Nanny time with my grandchildren and I fill it with fun and madness. They get enough serious clubs and tasks to do, so I make sure we focus on fun (and learning too)
I have read many of your posts before, Jennie, and know that you are an inspirational teacher and one that children remember with fondness and love. And I bet, like me, you remember them too. I certainly have photos of my class groups.
Sue, this is just wonderful. Thank you! I agree that most people should read this. It’s much like Life-101. I’m so glad that play was a big part of your teaching. It’s important! Thank you for sharing your story. Yes, like you I remember them, too. I’m so glad you have read my posts, and especially glad to read this lovely comment.
Inspirational is a word that’s often bandied about, but I found this truly inspirational. A branch of my family were all teachers and so was I. I worked in a school for 11-18 year-olds and found myself so constricted by rigidly applied tick boxes plus an attempt for us all to be on the same page every day regardless of whether the pupils had grasped the concepts or not. I couldn’t do the latter. I struggled, joylessly, for just over a week before quietly abandoning it and just doing things my own way knowing that the progress would be quicker and the pleasure greater. The young minds that are opened by you to the joys of the world and reading have been given the very best start to life and I hope the next stage does nothing to dim their enthusiasm.
Inspirational is an overused word, so I’m glad you found this inspirational in the truest sense. You were wise and brave to stop teaching what they wanted you to teach, and to teach the way children need it. How long did that last? Yes, reading is my joy with children. It really does wonders, for learning, and for making connections. Thank you, Alex!
Very mindful post for teachers, Jennie.
Thank you.
My pleasure, Jennie. 😍
Thank you, Jennie. I enjoyed reading this post again. The hundred little things apply to all jobs not only teaching 💜
They really do, Robbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this post again.
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You are that teacher that every parent wants for their child, Jennie. If you want to thrive rather than survive, you have to love what you do, and you love it, it shines through.
Beautifully said, Carla. Yes, I’m that teacher, and ya gotta thrive! Many thanks!