By the time I post this, it will be the last day with the students before Spring Break. They get Friday off; we get time to catch up on state-mandated professional development. (If I get to that, past the three other burning deadlines and rapidly multiplying sticky notes on my office desk.)
It's been a week. It's no secret among educators that many students do not react well to a looming break from school for a multitude of reasons. The closer we get to the last day, the more behavior management strategies seem to be needed. This goes for the library, too. There has been a lot of redirecting and reminding going on. It's hard sometimes to tone down the energy level and get library lessons and checkouts done in a calm manner in thirty minutes.
But the thirty-minute mark does come, and classes line up to go to their next activity. My teacher colleagues are super-supportive, and always prompt the students to say thank you on the way out. This week, I've noticed more students sidling up to me for a quick hug and a "Bye, Ms Margocs". A squeeze on the shoulder sends them off.
I think those side hugs are filling their tanks...and mine. Maybe enough to make it to and through Spring Break and beyond.
Image source: https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/have-a-heart-give-a-hug/
These moments are captured beautifully. I could see and feel each one. "This week, I've noticed more students sidling up to me for a quick hug and a "Bye, Ms Margocs". A squeeze on the shoulder sends them off." Thank you and Happy Break!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I know you are right here - "I think those side hugs are filling their tanks...and mine." Enjoy the upcoming spring break!
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