On Wednesday I went back to the school I used to teach at to teach the First to Fourth graders the new mass settings that will begin the first Sunday of Advent. It was weird to be back there working with the kids even though I only haven't been there about 4 months. The teachers looked even more tired than usual- (especially all of my previous grade partners) and I couldn't help but have one of those inward sighs of relief. I immediately went back into teacher mode when I was there and I was shocked that the kids were very receptive of me who had never even had me as a teacher!
One child after the practice came up to me whom I've never seen before and told me that "you have the most beautiful singing voice I've ever heard!" I was really touched by that one comment because I could tell this child had some mental disabilities and even with those struggles he took the time and consideration to pay a compliment. He is the example I would like to see in the future of Catholic Education.I think the lesson of treating another with kindness is even more important that Math and Language Arts. I think that's why as a teacher I always tended to get the students who "needed a bit more kindness." This is not to say that I was the teacher who was more LENIENT- and I know that any of my past students will tell you that I ran a tight ship. In the past 6 years while teaching I tried to teach my students basic common courtesy and kindness and as the years when on and on that lesson became more and more difficult to teach to them. You hear about Sociology departments doing studies where they put a (fake) injured person out in the street and see how passing people react and it KILLS me that so many people walk by and don't even attempt to help a hurting person. I just know in my heart that one day I will read about one of my past students helping someone who is injured or in trouble and I will be able to say, "That was my student in first grade!"
On another note- I was working on our annual Christmas Trolley with one of the secretary's in the parish and we got onto the topic of how parents don't take their kids to church, but pay for an expensive Catholic Education. I have to say----I don't get it. This secretary them proceeded to tell me I was a good mother because I've had my girls baptized... she said most mothers ONLY start to worry about having their children baptized when they realize they can't go to a Catholic school until they have proof of baptism. She said I was a small percentage of mothers that actually PRACTICES the Catholic Faith- I don't care what faith you are- whether it's Judaism , Buddhist, or any other form of Christianity- but if you are going to have a faith and instill it in your children don't you think it's important to PRACTICE it? (this is all unless you are an Atheist.)It makes me sad that I have to watch what I say around all children in terms of heaven. Lily knows that anyone or any pet that dies goes to heaven, but I've heard her have conversations with kids who have told her that when their pet clearly died----they just "went away." Really folks? A very wise priest once told me that if death wasn't your greatest fear.... then something was wrong with you----don't you think your child is more inclined to be afraid of the unknown?
Okay enough for now- Praying for my fellow teachers out there who are enduring treacherous Parent/Teacher Conferences right now- Good luck ladies---I know how it is and I don't envy you these past two days.
At least it isn't you!
Amanda
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