Early Learning Experiences Matter

I will call her “Star” for that is what she truly is.  At four years old she entered my classroom on the first day, said goodbye without any difficulty and proceeded to observe and settle in to her new environment:  My classroom.  On her face was an expression of hardness, and it quickly showed in the seemingly lack of empathy she displayed towards her classmates.  I knew I had a challenge there, and quickly began the process that I do with all of my students that involves unconditional love, free expression of feelings, instilling value and self-worth, high standards and expectations.  Being able to teach in a Christian school I was able to share with her the characteristics of Jesus and how just as a caterpillar is transformed, so we can be transformed by His love.  Slowly, slowly, this began to chip away at the exterior of this little girl and she became indeed the most sensitive and loving student in the class.  She had a sparkle in her eyes one day as she shared with me a song that she had made up on her own.  I just stood in amazement.  I don’t mean to make it sound easy, it wasn’t.  I worked hard, my assistant worked hard.  We prayed hard.  Star worked hard.  Sometimes she would forget and then catch my eye and say “oops, that wasn’t kind was it?”  Finally graduation week came.  I planned a very special celebration complete with caps and gowns.  On the day of the event she came in and said to me.  “I’m not gonna be coming tonight to my graduation.”  “Why?” I said.  “Because my family say it’s dumb, I’m just a little kid and it don’t matter, it’s not real.”  My heart was filled with hot burning anger, but containing it I bent down and looked her in the eye and said.  “It is important and it does matter, because you matter.  You have worked hard and I am so proud of you.”  Later that day I begged her mom to please bring her telling her she had a very important part in the ceremony.  That evening at the last minute she showed up.  Big smile, sparkling eyes, shining star, although there was no fanfare, no photos and she slipped out before I could even say goodbye, she was there, and she made it, and I knew I had made a difference that would last a life time.