Working with Children

I don't know how many of you have ever witnessed a child experience an "Aha" moment... Well, I am working with a fantastic group of children for reading and math. These kiddos are either new to the country or need more explicit instruction than what they would normally receive in an everyday classroom. So, I opted to work with them rather than children who already "get it."

I am teaching equivalent fractions today and they FINALLY made the connection between equivalent and equal!!! I have been showing them, but for those teachers out there you know that students do not get it until they are able to see it for themselves! I was SO proud of them!!! Another great accomplishment... Three weeks ago, we received a 5th grader who had just been enrolled into school (I mean JUST ENROLLED!). She moved to the U.S. from El Salvador 4 years ago and has never been in school, so you can just guess how far behind this poor girl is. Today, she volunteered (another big accomplishment) to come up to the board to work an equivalent fraction problem. You know what?!?! She got it right! The whole class erupted in applause! They were just as proud of her as I was. That was definitely one of the moments that made me realize the reason I am a teacher.

I love the school I work at because I am able to work with these special and beautiful children...