Teachable Moments
Monday, August 30, 2010
Do You Know My Name?
The Cal State LA professors were vital to the success of the summer school program of the first Cohort in the Los Angeles Urban Teacher Residency (LAUTR) program. We decided to come together after the summer session was completed to discuss its successes and challenges.
One of the professors brought her delightful 5 year-old grandson. He had an assorted collection of toys, including his beloved trains.
At the close of the meeting, the professor asked everyone to look under their respective seats and tables to find her grandson's missing train piece.
Of course, it was found and after it was handed over to the watchful eye of her grandson, he turned to me and state in a matter-of-fact manner, "He has a name. His name is Percy. That's how I knew he was lost".
It dawned on me...Our students would not be lost...in the classroom, on the playground, in the minds and hearts of their teachers...if educators knew the names (minds and hearts) of their students.
Get to know each of your students...it can make all the difference!
One of the professors brought her delightful 5 year-old grandson. He had an assorted collection of toys, including his beloved trains.
At the close of the meeting, the professor asked everyone to look under their respective seats and tables to find her grandson's missing train piece.
Of course, it was found and after it was handed over to the watchful eye of her grandson, he turned to me and state in a matter-of-fact manner, "He has a name. His name is Percy. That's how I knew he was lost".
It dawned on me...Our students would not be lost...in the classroom, on the playground, in the minds and hearts of their teachers...if educators knew the names (minds and hearts) of their students.
Get to know each of your students...it can make all the difference!