Project MARS/AmeriCorps collects “Great Stories” from its members in which they reflect on their experiences mentoring in the classroom and the progress they see students making. This month’s story was written by Cam Ormond.
The second-grade teacher told me that my Little struggled with finishing his story at home. She gave me the task to encourage him to finish this piece of work as best as he can. I told him to follow me and we’ll go outside to finish this story.
Going outside, with better space to think, helped him! Once we sat down, I just told him that we have to do our best and let’s do this! The task was simple, all he had to do was copy his handwriting to a cleaner page. While encouraging him, I would cover the words he already copied down. I noticed this helps him a little. As time went by we officially finished this story! This was a great accomplishment for both of us. As we returned to the classroom, all the other students had shared their stories. I showed the teacher our accomplishment and my Little was given the opportunity to share with his class his story.
Just recently, my Little was trying to show me how to do the Spock (from Star Trek) sign. I personally can’t do this. Knowing some of his little “quirks,” this was important to him. I tried my best, but still can’t do the Spock sign. I liked that teaching moment. It was very sweet of him showing me the steps on how to do it.
Learning and growing with my Little is an adventure for sure! Some days are good days for him and some days are bad. Moments with him are so eye-opening. Children in general have an interesting perspective. How they view the world should impact adults.
