But when I read today's blog challenge question, "What's the nicest gift you received from a student?", I drew a blank. Though the gifts I've received warmed my heart, none really stood out. When I thought more deeply about the question, I remembered all the little notes and addenda students leave for me on homework assignments and journals.
These types of notes come at random times during the semester, typed or handwritten below a formal assignment or an exit card. Notes that thank me for something I've said or done that someone appreciated. A thank you for a personally meaningful assignment. An acknowledgement that what we did in class made a positive difference.A note sharing a memory or life experience that our lesson has explained or illuminated in a new, meaningful way.
Such comments refer to moments I may only half remember but somehow struck a chord. I'm often floored by students' candid reactions, having either forgotten what what did or said or failing to register the impact I've had. There's so much going on "backstage" that I have no access to unless someone discloses.
These comments, because of their personal nature, say more to me than Almond Roca or Ferrero Rocher gift box can express. They remind me that what I do and say can have a deep effect on someone, for good or better. And in many (most?) cases, the effects we have on students don't register for months or years after they've left our classes. So when students remind me that something I did or said helped them figure out a problem, overcome a barrier, or open up a social horizon, I remember the importance of our work and the awesome responsibility of facilitating someone's growth.
What a gift to find unexpected notes like these as I grade papers, sipping a free Venti Latte or savoring a chocolate-hazelnut confection!
What a gift to find unexpected notes like these as I grade papers, sipping a free Venti Latte or savoring a chocolate-hazelnut confection!
Absolutely agree Henry! I was thinking about this too. We receive many gifts over the years but it's the impact we have through comments, notes that do mean the most and are often the most important gifts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being part of the challenge again! Looking forward to reading your posts.
Justine :-)
This makes me think about what I can do to show appreciation, how I might add a meaningful note that describe a particular moment or memory. That specific feedback (just as when we evaluate student work!) might be something I want to think about next time I want to thank someone. So, a hearty thanks to you Justine for organizing this challenge. It's making a huge difference in my teaching and my personal life. I'm writing regularly, something I'd always Imagined I'd be doing. And the posts are helping me take stock of my practice. We're going to start a "blog challenge community" at our school. We've already got about 12 folks interested. I deeply appreciate how you and your collaborator model community, This blogging stuff rocks.
ReplyDelete