An excerpt from
The Heart
of a Teacher
by Paula Fox
The child arrives like a mystery box...
with puzzle pieces inside
some
of the pieces are broken or missing...
and others just seem to hide
But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out...
and help the child to
see
the potential for greatness he has within...
a picture of what he can
be
Her goal isn �t just to teach knowledge...
by filling the box with more
parts
it �s putting the pieces together...
and creating a work of art
The process is painfully slow at times...
some need more help than
others
each child is a work in progress...
with assorted shapes and
colors
First she creates a classroom...
where the child can feel safe in
school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try...
and kindness is
always the rule
She knows that a child
can achieve much more
when he feels secure
inside
when he �s valued and loved...
and believes in himself
...and he
has a sense of pride
She models and teaches good character...
and respect for one
another
how to focus on strengths...not weaknesses
and how to encourage
each other
She gives the child the freedom he needs...
to make choices on his
own
so he learns to become more responsible...
and is able to stand
alone
He �s taught to be strong and think for himself...
as his soul and spirit
heal
and the puzzle that �s taking shape inside...
has a much more positive
feel
The child discovers the joy that comes...
from learning something
new...
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things that he can
do
A picture is formed as more pieces fit...
an image of the child
within
with greater strength and confidence...
and a belief that he can
win!
All because a hero was there...
in the HEART of a teacher who
cared
enabling the child to become much more...
than he ever imagined...or
dared
A teacher with a HEART for her children...
knows what teaching is all
about
she may not have all the answers...
but on this...she has no
doubt
When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and
smiled...
"It �s not the subjects that matter...
It �s all about teaching
the CHILD."
The Heart of a Teacher is a book by Paula Fox on offer here. I just liked the poem. A huge thanks to all the teachers who are dedicated to helping children grow in so many ways : )
