Children to Teachers

I had a really eye-opening conversation with one of our teachers the other day. This teacher was working her way through some challenges in her life. I asked her how she was doing as I greeted her one morning. She recounted how the children were helping her and giving her the strength she needed. Here’s what she said. (The names below have been changed to preserve privacy.)

Elena was reading a story at circle time to her children and using the story to talk about diligence and perseverance and how they can help us reach our goals. One line in the story was “Never give up!” As Elena engaged in conversation with the children, she thought to herself, that’s just what I need here . . . diligence and perseverance . . . to get through these tough challenges. So she asked the children to tell her “Never give up!” And they did so with enthusiasm! “Elena, never give up! Never give up!” they shouted with enthusiasm over and over again.

As the children chanted, Elena got goose bumps and felt tears rising. She could feel the children’s genuine support for her and the energy they were using to tell her to “Never give up!” sent a stream of strength her way. She was amazed and awed by how much strength she got from this simple and generous act from the children.

Now I don’t think the children fully understood that their teacher who helps them each and every day with smiles, hugs, and encouragement needed their help at this time. But they do love their teacher and they were happy to encourage her to “Never give up!” Their genuine love traveled to Elena through their chant and really helped her gather the strength she needed to meet her challenges.

We often think that teachers are on the saintly side, always giving their love, their knowledge, and their expertise to the children in their classrooms. We don’t often think about how the loving, respectful relationship that needs to exist between teachers and children in order for learning to happen travels back and forth between teachers and children. Teachers who are good at establishing these relationships, get their share of this love, respect, and support from their children. Elena’s story illustrates this beautifully. Good loving, supportive connections are good for everyone involved! Everyone benefits!