Engagement

Chapter three of "Teaching Hope," was yet again a chapter that really seemed to speak to me. It is hard for me to grasp and come to terms with some of the experiences that these students have and relate it to the students that could potentially fill up my classroom someday. Also, the more I read from this book the more I note to myself how much potential having a journal in the classroom seems to have, and how I can't imagine not using one in one way or another. This seems to be the overarching reason for many of the students to confide in their teachers.

One story that particularly stuck out for me in a different way than some of the others was the story about Enrique coming in and crying to the teacher, confiding in them about a certain family situation. Another student comes in, also crying, and when the teacher expresses their puzzlement at what is going on, someone speaks up by saying, "'Miss, this is where we can talk about what's going on. Our friends are here and you're here. We know you'll listen and let us be ourselves'" (page 132). Ultimately, this is one of the most meaningful stories to me because this is how I want my students to feel. I want to be that teacher that they feel they can trust and confide in. I want my classroom to feel like a safe place for students. I want students to know that I care about them, not just as growing students but as individuals as well, even if that means setting aside my planned lessons to help students when they really need it.