I walked past his desk. He looked at me and said, “This is great, but won’t this put a lot of pressure on you, Mrs. Harmatz?”
“It’s no problem. But thank you for saying that. It’s kind to notice and say something.”
What I had promised was going to take me time. Everyday. He was right; it would put a little extra pressure on me. But, that’s what I do.
Teachers do things all the time for students.
Kids are typically caught up in their ownness. They don’t seem to notice. That’s normal. I am willing to bet most kids notice what we do, but they rarely say anything. Yesterday K did both. Whoa. I guess it mattered.
After school, it was quiet; the sky was getting dark. A few more things before I go.
I sat down. Collated, organized, and got each student’s file ready. Set them on their desks. Made sure every table had pens and post-its, checked the charges on the Chromebooks, and turned off the lights.
Walking down the hall, I remember K’s words. He was right. It took some time. It put a little extra pressure on me. And while I would have done it without the comment, tonight I knew it was appreciated.
The power of a few words.
It was a great gift; I will remember.
Thank you, K.
And thank you, Two Writing Teachers Blog. The daily March Slice of Life Challenge has made me more aware. I am noticing. That’s what writing does. Read more slices here.
To Read To Write To Be 
It really means a lot when they let you know they notice 🙂
How nice to be appreciated.:) His thanks reflect well on both of you!
Being seen and known matters to all of us. K showed such maturity when he shared these words with you! What a sweet student!! What a lovely teacher!!
I say that all the time. I don’t “need” the noticing, but I always feel better because of it. This is such a gentle lovely slice.
So nice when the “noticing” can just add a smile to your day. This adds another dimension of your knowledge of this student and what a sign of maturity AND empathy! ❤
Thank you for noticing his empathy. That’s most important part.
I love this! When students see you as human and appreciate you! It such a wonderful thing to have happen! Excellent slice!
There are probably more students than you know who notice the extra care you provide. It’s nice to be noticed and appreciated. Makes it all worthwhile.
Just one comment like that can carry us through the day. That may be a new goal for myself–to notice and say something, as a random act of kindness.
A few words linger in the mind long after they are said, makes all the difference. Nice!
Those gifts certainly burn brightly in our hearts.
So wonderful that you heard that thanks from a kid!
Most of my students were too young and too inept to notice or say thank you. But I could feel their gratitude when they came into my room with big smiles on their faces. It’s so nice to know that someone appreciates you whether it’s said or implied. I’m sure you are making a big difference in that young man’s life and it’s so nice that he “notices” that.
Those kinds of words carry us through a lot, don’t they? I’m sure you will remember, and it’s a thoughtful student who noticed. Nice to hear, Julieanne.
Sweet kid – his noticing made an impact on your day in a lovely way.
How nice that he noticed.