Saturday, July 6, 2013

A Reality Check

Well I got stuck on this post. Ever since I read Little Bunny's Sleepless Night by Carol Roth and Valeri Gorbachev (way back in the beginning of May) I've been mulling around what I wanted to say about the discussion that took place that morning with my fantastic bunch of first graders whom I already miss. 

This is a great story for making connections, predictions, sequencing and teaching the 5 senses.
I started this read aloud like I do most, by showing the cover of the book and telling the children, "This story is about a Little Bunny, and he has trouble sleeping one night." Then I asked the question, "Why can't you sleep?" I didn't realize this would be a loaded question. I expected answers like... my mom sends me to bed too early, I'm not tired, I want to stay up and play, I'm excited about ~ but those are not the answers I got.
A little background is needed here. Each day, my wonderful first graders bounce into the classroom ready and eager for the day. They are clean, dressed nicely and loved by their families. It is, at times, easy for me to forget their homes aren't like what I,  or many of us know. You see my school is next to a housing project and low rent housing. Over 91% of my children live in urban poverty and many are second language learners. Yes, many enter my classroom with a variety of needs, but they are first graders and its my mission to fully prepare them for any second grade classroom they may enter. Often they arrive at school tired. Never did I think to ask them why, until I pulled this book off the shelf for our read aloud.
Here are the answers I received, # of children who agreed out of 18:
*14 said they were too cold ~ small PJ's, no blanket or thin blanket, sleeping on the floor or sofa
*16 said outside noise kept them awake ~ gunshots, fighting, loud music, noisy cars
*16 said they had nightmares ~ no explanation needed
*14 said it was too noisy in their house ~ fighting, loud TV or music
*10 said brothers or sisters in their room kept them awake
*12 said they were scared
*9 said they were too hungry to sleep
Not a single child said they weren't tired or were sent to bed too early.
Why did this bother me so much, and why does it still weigh heavy on my mind. Certainly deep down I knew this was their reality. I like to hope/think that in some small way I am making a difference in their lives - but I think this set it straight, I cannot change what I cannot change - and that hurts. These are innocent children who will forever be effected by their living situation.
It also reminded me to talk less and listen more. This class needed to talk about their lives and I listened. I learned more than I wanted this year, but hopefully I will be a better teacher because I asked and I listened.
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15 comments:

  1. Heartbreaking isn't it? I teach in a very similar school to yours. I want to say we were 94% poverty this year. A few times this year my children knew someone who was shot in a neighborhood shooting. It breaks my heart because as a teacher, I want to keep them safe, warm, well-fed, and loved. We do change their lives even if we can't change their homes. They have love and hope at school and that can cause them to dream about what they can do with their education. Keep up the great work! You ARE making a difference.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, we had several shootings in the neighborhood this year. These things are hard to explain to little ones. I concentrate on teaching them to stay safe in violent situations that may happen in their lives.

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  2. I love that you shared this story. Remember you are making a difference by making sure that your students are loved and cared for, that they feel like their thoughts and feelings are important. Sometimes we all need to remember to talk less and listen more. Thanks for the reminder. Keep up the great work!
    Meghan
    First Grade Hugs and High Fives

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  3. I teach in a similar environment. The situations in my neighborhood are the same as what your students described. Many of my first graders' parents, brothers, sisters, friends... are members of gangs. When someone asks me what school I teach at, I get pitiful "I'm sorry" looks and "How does that work out for you?" "Do you get scared?" "What do you do about the families?" On top of the gang violence, we have the poverty (100% of the students in my building qualify for free meals, and because of that we provide breakfast, lunch, and snack - which is sizable enough to count as another meal). I hear and read a lot of the stories during our writing block. It's sad, but like you said - I can't change what I can't change. We can only hope that the kiddos truly do feel safe and welcome in our classroom. We never know when the classroom is the only sense of security that the students have.

    Carrie
    First Grade with Ms. Dawley

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    1. Oh ~ I really hate that question, "Why do you still teach at that school?" I love my students and my school. My children really appreciate and love anything and everything I provide for them. They are so excited to learn. I can not even dream of teaching different children. Yes - keep loving your students.

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  4. My best teaching years were the ones I spent in the inner-city. I knew I was making a difference in the lives of children who needed to see hope and joy somewhere. What a blessing you are to them. With you they are loved and valued. Thank you for sharing!
    Jenny

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  6. I have to stop and remind myself often that I need to remember that I don't know what happens once those children walk out the door every afternoon. I also have discussions with the students to always keep in mind that THEY don't know what goes on to their classmates each day when they walk out the door. Each and every one of them has some type of unique situation going on and we never really know what goes on their heads. It's so important that we provide a safe, comfortable and memorable learning environment for them each day. I love that you read this story and I love that you were able to listen!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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    1. You are totally correct all children live different lives. We have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. Sometimes those crazy behaviors we see have roots that go deep. Thank you!

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  7. I can tell that they are very lucky to have you as their teacher. I too have little ones who come with very sad stories. I had the most wonderfully happy childhood and can't imagine what they are living through. The woriries I caarry for my little ones has kept me awake many a night. Love 'em up during the day!

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    1. Yes~those sleepless nights are tough. Your little ones are very lucky too indeed. Thank you!

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  8. This is a really cute idea! I'll have to make sure I order a copy! Kirsten

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    1. Thank you - I'm sure you and your little ones will enjoy it.

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