One On One

Opportunities to work one on one with a student aren't very often. Teachers are busy and have the daunting task of meeting the needs of EVERY student.The classroom I work in has only 12 students. This is a small class size compared to most. It is small for a very good reason. The principal at this elementary school is a huge advocate for literacy. She has made it a priority in her school to give every possible resource available to the students that are struggling to read. Her solution has been smaller class sizes for these particular students as well as increased mentor/technicians throughout the day. The one on one that these students receive is critical to their success in literacy.

I have been invited a few times to work with a student one on one. Just this last week I worked with a boy who was struggling with keeping his writing sitting on the foot line of his paper. Each time he began to leave the line I had to redirect him. He quickly became frustrated and wanted to just stop. We learned together to make a game of it and I was able to make progress with him. Teachers don't typically have the time to put that much effort in to one students handwriting. The thing that I have noticed the most is that these students who have an increased influence on literacy throughout their day have these moments where the light comes on and it shines through their eyes. These moments are the reasons teachers teach.

Throughout history educators have faced many challenges in meeting the needs of their students. Just as history has shaped our public education today, I believe that what this school is doing for literacy is shaping these young lives. The adults that are advocating for these children are shaping the future. It takes parents, teachers, administrators and other community members to take an active role in ensuring that our government is supporting education in the best possible way. Drastic measures were taken in the no segregation laws. The Little Rock Nine made incredible sacrifices. They had great courage and accomplished great things! We need to stop being so passive about the education our children receive and have the courage to give them the resources they deserve.