What I Did During My Winter Break

I am certain that some teacher along the way must have had me write an essay with this title the first day back in January. I could write so very much about the rich experiences that I had over this break, I stop, however, and think about the students that I have in my class, and what they did during this vacation. I always get a little misty-eyed when those big yellow buses pull out of the parking lot the last day before break.

I think about how some of my students will spend their time. I think about one child. His dad has been out of work for a long time. He tries to do well, and his dad is always very concerned about him, but you can just tell that they have so many physical needs. He told me that he would be spending some time with his mom during the break and wanted to give her a video from our winter concert. I hope that she is as proud of him as I am.

I think about another child and my heart aches for him. His mother and sister were killed in an auto accident a couple of years ago on Christmas Eve. His dad hasn't dealt with the loss well, and relinquished his son to be raised by an aunt. This continues to delt witht he pain of losing his mom and sister, and his dad.

As I celebrate this week in the comfort of my home surrounded by a loving family, I am thankful. I hope that the relaxation and rejuvenation will help me to be the loving teacher that I need to be for all my students.