MAC WeeK4 Reading

Chapter 10: You are the board and you can take away from any experience with playing the “fault game”. But most of all know that what you take away from a circumstance is up to you. Relationships are the key to all things and you should be approachable and respectful towards others without judgment. Basically, be positive and try to find the underlying reason behind things without pointing fingers or giving into anger.

Chapter 11: Just this past week a mother of one of my 5^th graders lost her life in a battle to cancer. The majority of my students have been together since Pre-K. Many of the students had questions and concerns about their peer’s loss. Death is obviously not a fun subject to talk about, much less in a classroom setting. But, I chose to address the issue and speak openly with respect to the family mourning. When I attended the viewing the father thanked me for the all the cards that the students mailed to his son and family. I believe this happened because the students were comfortable and felt strong enough to support their peer/friend during this time of loss.

Chapter 12:My “We” story: I had a 3^rd grader many years ago enter my class below grade level in all areas and in addition could not read. When he entered my class we made a deal to take it one day at a time and in the end it would all work out. He worked hard throughout 3^rd grade and kept persevering through his years of education. I have kept in touch with his mom and she is amazed out how well his academics improved and how he has soared through High School on grade level. The young man just graduated this past June and is now in his first year of college.