We often see it before they say it. And more often, they never say it, so what we see is enough. Kids face things they shouldn’t have to, things they did not choose, things they cannot escape. And even though we’d like to live in a world where every kid shows up ready–academically, socially, emotionally–that’s not the world we live in, and just because they walk through our doors, it doesn’t mean they can leave their world behind. Their world follows them, wherever they go.

Yesterday, she entered with her world on her shoulders. I saw. She shared some of it during Smiles and Frowns. I heard. And so, when she hid away in one of her drawings for the rest of the period, I understood. There where she hid, I did not know how to help her. I think we both knew this, so we agreed tacitly that she knew best what she needed in the moment. And in our shared understanding, we each made our way. Sometimes, even in the classroom, that’s all we can do for each other. Sometimes, we just have to acknowledge the weight of the world we all carry, and in that, we may all find that we are not alone. That others see. That others hear. That others understand.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing with grammar.

…struggling (productively) with our ideas for our narrative essays.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. May the weight of your world be less heavy today. Have a great weekend.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.