School has started. Does a teacher ever not take notice of that fact as the Septembers roll along? The following blog was posted three years ago. Join me in my memories.
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To my Children in Decades Past: What a coincidence that you were near my heart for nine months as you grew and I nourished you in numbers and words—the same amount of time I carried my own children near my heart as they grew and I nourished them in flesh and blood. (Psalm 139:13 …you knitted me in my mothers womb…) Well, dear children, in those nine months you tied strings to my heart.
Most of you moved on giving your loyalty to another teacher, quickly bonding with her/him as you did with me. You are all about 35 to 60 years old now and you might occasionally sit with friends and relatives saying something like this:
“Do you remember that teacher we had in fourth grade who was so nice.”
(Oops, did you say grumpy?)
Or some might say, “I can’t think of that teacher’s name—you know, the one who wore a formal and a motorcycle helmet to school one day. She was trying to show us that we should dress appropriately for some reason. I’ve forgotten what.”
(Me too, I remember doing it but I don’t remember why.)
Or, “In the first grade we would sit in a row on the book shelves. We moved up one at a time while she checked then we moved back to our seats, another would scoot over to be checked.”
(All kids loved watching me grade their buddy’s papers. Learned more that way than when I graded their own paper. Can’t you hear the critics yelling now?)
Or, “In second grade every day we sang ‘This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will be glad and rejoice in it.’ Do you remember her?”
(I would get fired for singing that song with them now. Too bad.)
Or, “She never did believe that Chucky stole that money, but he did.”
(Yeah, I finally had to give up in face of the evidence.)
Those are some of the things you might say about me if you remember me at all. For most, I belong to a string that you have cut at your end and let go. But I remember some things about you also and it will be my turn to talk about you next time. Join me for Part 2 in coming days.
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image: unsplash, Kelly Sikkema
Ah Oneta I wish I had been in your class. How times have changed for teachers. I am so glad you have fond memories to share.
Hi, D, descriptions of your class activities make me long for that life a bit, but mostly I’m glad I don’t have to deal with today’s educational climate.
What a wonder teacher you were and still are❤️
I think it can never really be removed from one’s habits. I think it is funny sometimes when I’m working Sudoku puzzles I find myself thinking in my head as if I’m teaching. “See, I put this 2 in that block because there is a 2 here in the row and there is a 2 in that column so this is the only place in the square where it can go without being in the path of the other 2’s” 😀
Once a teacher always a teacher. I’ll bet your students loved you❤️
Thanks.
Such sweet memories! I remember my 2nd grade and 6th grade teachers. No others. But sweet memories of those teachers. I’m praying for my grandsons teachers. It’s such an important role in the lives of children! One must be a saint or an angel to teach! You were probably both!!! 💝
I remember my first lesson. The teacher drew a baby cradle (I guess with a baby in it) and wrote the word BABY under it. I don’t remember her. My fourth grade teacher remains in my special memory box. I don’t know why. Maybe because I went to her house one time and saw some store bought cow food! I guess our cows were only pastured. Funny. Her name was Mrs. Ford.
Good memories!!! Cow food! Lol
😀
Memories are such precious Gifts. I hold in my heart memories of many teachers in the past who nurtured and encouraged me. I also will hold forever those children who I had the privilege of teaching about ‘faith’ in the special R.I. (Religious Instruction classes). I still pray for the ones I knew had struggles in their personal lives. Blessings to you and may your memories always be wellsprings of rich encouragement for your job ‘well done!;,
Thanks, Faye. I’m sure you are remembered in love. God is continuing to use you through your touching others with encouragement.