Fierce Inspiration
15 August , 2009
I have returned to teaching full-time. I am back at the school I was teaching previously but I have climbed up the food-chain and instead of 5 year olds I now teach 9 and 10 year olds. My afternoons are spent with the ten year old students. This term is easier than last term but I use a lot of energy keeping ahead of the Pack. I am trying to impart this skill to a student teacher but I know it is something you learn only from having a class of your own and making your own mistakes.
The suburb I teach in is rough and the kids don’t see alot of joy. Most of these 10 year olds have been through more than any of us would care to imagine. The one constant in their life is school. Possibly the only safe place they know. The only place they can let off steam and vent their frustration.
It makes me look at my own boys and realise that what I think is a bad day for one of them is truly nothing compared to the home live’s some of my students endure.
This is a snippet that came to me one evening after a particularly exhausting afternoon at school.
The Pack
Teeth bared, grinning and drooling,
Waiting and watching
Eager for a drop, for one mistake.
Waiting to pounce and tear anyone to shreds.
Tiny assassins. Needle sharp teeth
Razor eyes. Brutal and heartless.
But inside I know their fear.
I know how fragile they are.
How fleeting and rare their sweetness.
Yep, that pretty much covers how I felt dealing with the “older” children after being a teaching assitant with 7 year olds.
Living and working through your heart can be extremely difficult…Some days more than others. I’ll be your little ones feed your heart and help you keep your balance. Take care of yourself.
Any quiet in the storm is a good one for kids like that. Trust me. I was one of them.
I completely agree w Anita Marie there.