Some of the most meaningful moments in teaching are the ones that will never appear on a lesson plan.
This week, I found myself smiling as I listened to one of my students talk about his upcoming birthday. His excitement was contagious! As he shared his plans, I couldn’t help but think back to two years ago, when I was his kindergarten teacher and he was eagerly preparing to turn six.
How is it possible that two years have passed so quickly?
One of the greatest gifts of being an elementary school teacher is having the opportunity to watch children grow. We celebrate their academic milestones, their emerging reading and writing skills, and the confidence they gain as learners. But we also get to witness the little things that make childhood so magical: the anticipation of a birthday, the joy of sharing something special, and the excitement of being exactly who you are.
And this year, his birthday excitement comes with an extra bit of magic because it’s Halloween Week! Even better? He gets to dress up as his favorite animal—a duck! 🦆
There is something so beautiful about the way young children embrace the things they love without hesitation. Their enthusiasm reminds us to slow down, listen, and share in their happiness, even when the conversation has nothing to do with the curriculum.
As teachers, we spend so much time planning what we hope our students will learn each day. But some of our most important teaching moments happen when we set those plans aside long enough to simply connect with a child.
Two years ago, he was a kindergarten student getting ready to turn six. Today, he is a second grader, still sharing his excitement with me, still growing, and still reminding me why these little moments matter so much.
Because sometimes the most important lesson of the day is simply making a child feel that his excitement matters, his interests are worth celebrating, and he is seen.
And if that means spending a few extra minutes talking about birthdays, Halloween, and ducks, I’d say that’s time very well spent.
After all, these are the moments that make teaching so much more than a lesson plan. 💛
With Gratitude,
Jennifer
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