The Love Tank...

This summer I'm filling the "love tank" back up.   I don't know how to teach and not pour my heart and soul into the lives of those kids. I can't separate teaching without showing them love daily..it starts at 8:30 when I greet them at the door and is a constant throughout the rest of the day. It appears in the form of a smile, a gentle response, a pat on the back, a high five, a compliment and a way to improve, a reprimand spoken not shouted, and a lesson on being truthful and honest each day.  The more kids you put in my classroom, the more love I automatically pour out. I have no say in this matter...it's just simply how my heart works. 

This is rewarding but tiring work!  I read one time that a very high percent of teachers throw in the towel before their 10th year. I remember laughing at the notion of people giving up so easily. Oh to take back those words and thoughts and see it for what it truly is. In my 23 year old naievity, I had no idea the kind of journey I was about to embark on.  I've dealt with everything from abuse, homelessness, druggies, alcoholic families etc. You name it..I've probably brushed shoulders with it.  I was talking to a friend recently and she said, "How do you do it year after year?" And I responded... "How can I  NOT do it? How can I not be an influence for positive change? What if I'm the only one who responds to them this way or greets them and smiles at them each morning reassuring them of their value?

So, this summer I'm filling up my love tank so that when August 17th rolls around I'll be ready to pour out once again.