This Little Light of Mine

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This idea of being a reflector in the classroom has been stuck on my mind. A couple of weeks ago I heard there was a Science experiment going on in Mr. A’s classroom so of course during my planning period I wanted to see what all the talk was about. The experiment was great and the kids were definitely intrigued but what stood out to me was the vocabulary. He was describing to the kids a specific element and how if something is shiny or reflective it has luster. So now not only do I want to be an amazing reflector of love and encouragement in the classroom, but I also want to be full of luster…if that makes any sense!

Within Teach for America we are always talking about this idea of transformational change. How do I take kids who have been labeled as “un-reachable” and transform them into incredible members of society. The sad and frustrating part is that I can’t transform every kid…and believe me I want to. If I could that would make me some sort of super hero which I would totally be okay with as long as the costume was legit!

Sometimes when I’m in my classroom and all my buttons have been pushed and the chaos begins to drown me I will start to sing a song in my head. I think back to when I was little and in Sunday school and I begin to sing to myself, “This little light of mine…I’m gunna let it shine…This little light of mine…I’m gunna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.” Of course I know that its not “my” light that is shining but the light that shines from my faith and my belief in these kids. It brings me back to reality and reminds of the promise I made my kids and myself that while I was in the classroom I would give them 100% of my energy and attention. This means making sure that the light I am “reflecting” is positive. These kids see enough negativity outside my classroom walls. Ephesians 2:10  ^“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Speaking of my classroom walls I think someone posted on Facebook to come visit my classroom this week. It felt like my kids and I were on display for investors, the Principle and the CEO of my school all week. I began to feel like what was once my space and my four walls to be my crazy self in was now a revolving door. It’s funny how my protective mamma bear comes out when the Principle brings people into observe my classroom and my teaching. One, I can feel the tension in the room as the kids stare at me to gage my reaction. Two I only have limited time with my students so in my head I’m screaming get out of my office I have work to do! On Tuesday alone I had 4 different groups come to observe my classroom.

Favorite moments of the week would have to be Thursday and Friday. I am finishing teaching my students about the “Gilded Age” the period from 1865-1900. We ended the week by talking about the rise of Labor Unions. It couldn’t have been a more perfect time to bring in a current event and show the students that unions are still active and people are still protesting. We looked at a video about the Teacher’s Strike in Chicago and how this strike surrounded a bigger issue: Education Reform. I think it was neat for the students to be able to connect something from the past to something in the present. I included some photos of my students working on their class project!