Sometimes with my job I wish I could get a glimpse into the future to really see how my students will turn out.

Today was just one of those days with my job, where my heart just sank because I just want the best for them and want to teach them the simple importances of life. It's just hard because I want them to succeed and be respectful. It's just hard because I know I might be the only one in their life showing and teaching them those characteristics..it doesn't set in as quick.

Oh, poor Picky-Picky

I have been reading Ramona Forever to my class for read aloud. Today I read the chapter where Ramona and Beezus find their cat, Picky-Picky, who has passed away. I couldn't help but tear up since I know what it feels like to loose a pet. I even knew that the part was coming up because I've read the story before, but it just hit me today. A few other students in my class were a little teary. Two girls got me a kleenex, one for my eyes they said and one for my nose. Then we had to pause and talk about all of our pets and ones that we still have and the ones we don't have anymore. I just love those moments of teaching, were we connect and that they see that I have real feelings, and can relate to them. Even if it's me just being sappy about a children's book.

For the rest of the day, I found several random notes on my desk from several of my students saying,
'I'm sorry you've lost your dog when you were young, I lost a dog too'
'I think your are great Mrs. Allen,'
'I know how you feel, I lost my dog last year and it was really sad,'
'I think you are the best teacher ever, I really mean that, you are'
'I am glad you have Ellie, I like the name Ellie'
' I like that you read, You're the best!'

Now, if that can't make your day, I don't know what will.