It was the first day of school when I saw them. Two brothers, arriving at school and standing on the perimeter of the groups of reuniting children on the tarmac. They looked uncertain and uncomfortable; just staying with each other and not really making eye contact with anyone. First days can be hard sometimes, but especially when you are new to a school.
I went over to say good morning to them and introduce myself. They were still uncertain on how to answer when I asked them how they were and even more uncertain when I said, “I’d love to help you find your teachers this morning.” But off we went to introduce them to their new teachers. Every time I saw them at break that day, they were sticking close to each other.
As the first week progressed, every time I saw the brothers I said hello and every time I got a few more words from them. Soon they shared their previous schools, teachers they had, what they missed most about their old neighbourhood. Then one day as they were waiting for their bus home, the conversation shifted. They told me what they liked about their new school, their new teachers, and their new friends. Their smiles came easier and they would wave as the bus drove them home.
While I’m no longer at that school every day, I think about their wonderful homeroom teachers who worked hard to build trust and show interest in those new students during that first week. They welcomed them into their classrooms, making sure they had what they needed every day and asking them what their favourite subjects were in school. They created spaces where those new students could feel welcome and that the adults in this building cared about them.
These are often the unspoken parts of teaching that educators do each day and for students, it is one of the most important. Knowing that there is a safe and caring adult at school who is interested in them and who sees them as people makes a difference in a child’s day. Teaching and learning walk hand in hand with welcoming and belonging.
All the small things you do each day let children know you care.
I wonder about those brothers, though it’s been almost a month since the first day of school. I hope they are having a great time at school, that they feel comfortable to participate in class, and that they go home with good news stories each day. I wonder about the teachers, too. I hope they know the impact of those caring moments in the first week and the change that those cumulative moments brought. I hope you know that about your impact, too.
