I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Howard give the most amazing pep talk to one of our Lions last week. This child was hurt and upset by a classmate that had teased them and they didn’t know how to handle it.
(One of the BEST things about my job is watching and learning from JH and his amazing way of talking and connecting with students and parents.)
He gave the illustration of playing balloon ball with his three kids. His sweet Sophie, whom they adopted last year from China, you may or may not know, was born with a club hand. He said that she was catching the ball better than his two boys! He then sat down with her and asked to see her special hand. You know which hand she held up? Her regular hand! She doesn’t even see her club hand as different or special! The world is amazing through the eyes of a chid. She truly felt like her normal hand was her “special hand”. She can do everything with her club hand that you can do with your hand. It doesn’t slow her down a bit. If only we could have that mentality and self image!!
The use of this story was to show that EVERY child brings a special gift to the table. We’re ALL different, but that doesn’t make anyone better or worse. He turned around on this student to help them see and embrace the way they were different.
Whether it be a quirky personality or a physical difference, every single one of your students are special. Never forget that! When they are struggling, or having a bad day, take a moment to remind them that you CARE about them and think they are special! If every child had a positive attitude about their self worth, think of all the different issues that would go away. Bullying, self esteem, empathy…all are affected when a student struggles to see their value. They may not make straight A’s, they not be the quarterback of the football team….but ALL students have specials gifts.
Teachers are incredibly lucky to be able to help them discover and embrace their gifts! Take advantage!
Giftly,
Amber
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