Let’s talk about 2022 with “Those Kids.” Many teachers walk out of school daily worn out and worn down. We are struggling with our classrooms and see daily the impact COVID has had on our students. Teachers everywhere see more meltdowns, refusals, unkind behaviors, and more than one of “that kid.” But we love our students anyway. We are fighting for all of our students with administration and legislators. Teachers have not given up on “those kids.” We signed on knowing we could make a difference, and every difference we see is hard-fought. We know “that kid,” and every kid like them needs us now more than ever. Here is An Open Letter to “Those Kids” 2022.
Dear “Those Kids,”
When I first saw you placed on my class roster, my heart skipped a beat. All of us had heard the stories from your past teachers. I had seen your file filled with write-ups and refusals. So, at that moment, I couldn’t breathe. My face turned white, and all I could hear was ringing in my ears. Please forgive me for the way I reacted. In my heart, I knew you were on my roster for a reason. We were made for each other.
Before the school year started, I didn’t get the chance to shake your tiny hand at “Meet the Teacher Night.” You weren’t there. I didn’t have the opportunity to give you all the things you would need for the first day. Your family didn’t come. So, I just left your papers on the desk alongside your new supplies in hopes that the office would call for them before the first day of school started.
You walked in on the first day of school, and I noticed you weren’t wearing brand new clothes like some of the other kids. Your hair was mussed, and your shoes untied. You had a stained hand-me-down t-shirt and jeans that looked like capris. The pants were way too tight. I hope I didn’t embarrass you when I quietly sent you to the nurse for a new pair of pants. I know that to learn, you have to be comfortable. And, I knew the stares of your peers and other teachers could be hurtful.
Sometimes when I would walk through the children’s clothing aisle at Target, I would look at clothes you might like. I had to restrain myself from purchasing clothes for you. No one wanted to upset your parents by making them feel bad for not being able to buy you new clothes. I always wanted to ask if they needed help, but they wore their pride on their sleeve. But, please know that I wanted to help.
Those Kids with Others
You had problems with many of the other students at the beginning of the year. Your behaviors were not always safe and welcoming. Some students were less than accepting of you. You almost made me lose it a few times. But, I found your good qualities and highlighted those for the class. I hope it felt good when they all began to notice these qualities I saw in you. Hopefully, you felt the love from our class family.
I shed a tear the day you were able to tell another student how you felt in your heart without lashing out, but you didn’t notice because I wiped it away really fast. With my help, you figured out a way to discuss problems safely, constructively, and respectfully. Please continue to be an excellent problem-solver next year. May all your teachers encourage you to use your words in a kind tone.
I know you didn’t care about homework at the beginning of the year, but I noticed the day you started to care. I saw you in the cafeteria at breakfast, copying from one of your peer’s homework pages. You didn’t know this, but I accepted it anyway because it wasn’t about getting that homework page done. I wish you could have seen your face when you showed it to me. I am glad I saw you that morning. Thank you for allowing the other students and me in our class the opportunity to help you with your homework in the morning.
School Work for “Those Kids”
Torn papers and refusals were standard at first. But, I learned you didn’t want to do the work, not to be difficult, but you were afraid of failing. You didn’t know you could learn or think we would help you. But I understood your fear, and we took it slowly. Your classmates cheered you on. We all tried together to boost your confidence with work. And then, you soared.
I saw you eyeing my bookcase at the beginning of the year. I saw you discreetly choose books you were able to read at “Read-to-Self,” so none of the other kids would notice you were not at their level. Thank you for being honest with yourself and choosing books to help you be a better reader. Thank you for returning all of my books safely to the bookshelf each morning and reminding yourself that you need to grab another one before leaving each day. Your self-discipline is going to take you so far in life.
I believe your parents were trying the best they could. We all knew school was a safety net for you. I gave you extra snacks and sometimes shared my lunch. But, sometimes, I did wonder what you did and how your family treated you when you got home. I hoped you were reading and spending time with your family, but I realized your family was overwhelmed, and that was probably not happening. I can’t help but think you spent your nights alone, playing with your toys by yourself.
Just Remember:
Well, children, keep playing! Keep taking care of your toys, and continue caring for them in the way you want others to care for you. Practice the compassion and love you get from school, and don’t ever forget how that feels. Continue to apply what you learn in school to ask questions and wonder. I hope that when you can make decisions for yourself, you will fly one day. Someday, you will have a chance to help others. I hope you will be transparent and brave enough to tell others your story and encourage them to be the best they can be.
Remember your values learned in our classroom and school when you feel like the world is on your shoulders. Don’t forget, you are never alone, and education and books will take you anywhere you choose. Think about all of the important lessons you could apply to your life from your favorite read-alouds. Remember those heroes from the many storybooks we read together. Don’t forget the qualities those characters possess. Continue to get lost in those books and never let anybody take away your sense of wonder and imagination.
But most importantly, don’t forget that you are such an important individual and you matter. It still astonishes me how much you have evolved into the wonderful student you have come to be this year. Don’t pay attention to anybody that tells you any differently. Surround yourself with positivity and good people. Live your best life and never let a day slip by without expressing gratitude.
I thank you for letting me in. Thank you for challenging me. You helped make me a better teacher.
Love,
Your Teacher
Final Thoughts
Could you relate to this letter? Do you have “those kids” in your classroom, the ones seeking you in all of the wrong ways? What would you tell “those kids”? What do you want them to remember as they leave your room in May. For me, I want all of those kids to know they were loved and cared for every day. “Those kids” matter.
ETTC Has two excellent SEL Resources for the year, one for K-2 and one for 3-5. With this SEL resource, routines like daily check-ins will allow your students to open and share some of the more difficult parts of their lives with you. Want to try it out first? Here is a freebie link for the SEL K-2 and another one for SEL 3-5!
WRITTEN BY – SUZANNE KELLEY
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