“Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.” -- John Locke
What a quote! It comes at a very needed time for me. I think it is highly important to see how we fit into the total development of a child. We are in the business of education, but that is SOOOOO much more than just teaching skills and learning information. It is helping kids find a passion for reading, a thirst for knowledge, and a zeal to become better. It is teaching kids how to find the “right friends,” be a better friend, or practice forgiveness. It is also learning from our mistakes, becoming stronger based on our own set goals, and choosing a better path than we did the day before. Kids have to learn a lot! It is a lofty task that we take on, but I know we don’t take it lightly. Remember that as you teach….the “book stuff” is just the beginning…we can make it so much easier on ourselves when kids are truly connecting and taking the load on themselves.
I know you just got the stereotypical “May Nastygram” about not giving up yet and pressing on to the very end….this is all part of this quote. We want students next year in our classes that not only have a good grasp of the skills to get started, but know what it means to set their own goals. Or, they know how to keep “on the straight and narrow”….or they know how to look back and fix mistakes that they made along the way. Don’t miss an opportunity to finish strong and set these kids up for greater success next year. To steal (and paraphrase) a quote from Dr. Randle….”You can rest in June, so keep on going strong now!”
I believe in you guys…I have seen so many positives this year. Thank you for educating kids, but thank you more for loving these kids enough to put up with all you do. Hopefully this week after teacher appreciation, you can tap into all that stored food energy for a great week…
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