While checking my school email I came across an email written to me by a former student. I have not had this student in my class for 8 years but she took the time to find my email and send me a nice letter. She was a student of mine back in the days when I was my school's ESL teacher. My favorite part was this:
I wish I could turn back time and sit and listen to you read one more time. That was the best time of my life, I think. I don't know If I ever told you, but when we had to take the TAAS test, I would never try because I was afraid to be taken out of your class.
I was always a firm believer that children, especially non-English speakers need to be read to and I chose the books I loved to read to them.
This same young lady also asks if I will attend her graduation, as she is a senior this year. As her former teacher I couldn't be any prouder and have already marked the date on my calendar.
I am now armed and ready for a new year of school. NOW I remember why I became a teacher.
4 comments:
I teach higs school English here in Texas and I too believe that reading to my kids is valuable. I always read Tuesdays With Morrie to them. It works well as one can do a chapter or two a day without loosing an entire period. Even the slackers pay attention. Delightful. I am not ESL certified, but this summer I taught a remedial TAKS class and had a young lady from Mexico only three years in the US. Part of what we did was take turns reading paragraphs of A Christmas Carol (I gave her a copy) out loud. Another experience that reminds me why I'm doing this.
I teach higs school English here in Texas and I too believe that reading to my kids is valuable. I always read Tuesdays With Morrie to them. It works well as one can do a chapter or two a day without losing an entire period. Even the slackers pay attention. Delightful. I am not ESL certified, but this summer I taught a remedial TAKS class and had a young lady from Mexico only three years in the US. Part of what we did was take turns reading paragraphs of A Christmas Carol (I gave her a copy) out loud. Another experience that reminds me why I'm doing this.
Ahhh, those magical moments...
PArt of me wishes they'd come more often, part of me says they wouldn't be as magical if they did...
Have a Great Start to your new school year! Keep your head up and a stiff upper lip!
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