December Currently and a Hurting Heart

I am linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy, 4th grade for the December version of Currently.

I really struggled answering the last one...Random Acts of Kindness.  I have had a tough day today... I found out that one of my sweet 8th graders lost his father today.  And if that wasn't bad enough, today is also my student's birthday.  I wish I could DO something - a random act of kindness, in a way.  I want to attend his father's funeral, even though I've never met him and I want to find a way to honor and celebrate his father's life, but I am seriously at a loss...I don't know what to do.  I've always thought that if I taught an English class, I could be more of a touchy, feely, emotional type of teacher.  But being a science teacher, we don't often get to see that side of our students - their emotions and inner thoughts.  We look at evidence, collect data, and focus on the things that are observable in this world.  It's tough to find a place to fit in faith and feelings to the mix.        

I spent several hours today online, looking for ideas to use in the classroom when dealing with a loss, but it simply boils down to this - NO child should have to bear the burden of losing a parent at such an early age.  They aren't prepared and the emotions are confusing. While it can be a good thing for the student to have the routine of school and the stable environment, I, as the teacher, don't know how much or how little attention to give to the situation.  My heart just aches...  Please say a little prayer to bring my student healing and sweet remembrances of his father.



Need some more ideas to spread kindness at your workplace?  Check out: Kind Over Matter



7 comments:

  1. You brought tears to my eyes! Just love & support & pray daily. I would pour on the love to that child & make the classroom be busy busy...a get away to keep the mind occupied! Saw you at Farleys, so glad I connected to you! I will pray for the both of you!

    Amy Howbert
    Little Miss Organized
    amyhowbert1@gmail.com

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  2. I came over from Farley's blog. I will pray for this child who lost his father. Wow, this is a tough one. We have a first grader whose mother passed away in October. While she was out for the funeral, etc., the classroom teacher and room mom put together a little gift basket for her and gift cards to restaurants for the the father who just lost his very young wife. Those parents who could help donate did so. When the child came back, we just loved on her, but also kept the routine as normal as possible for her. I'll also pray for you and your school as you struggle with this loss. :-) Lauren Teacher Mom of 3

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  3. So sorry to hear of your student's loss. Something no child should have to experience.

    Megan
    I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

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  4. When I was teaching second grade a million years ago, one of my kiddos lost his mom. She just didn't wake up one morning. All you can do is hug the kiddo, tell them you're sorry and that you will be there for them. There is a wonderful book called The Next Place by Warren Hanson that might be a good gift for your kiddo. Here's a link to it.
    http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Place-Warren-Hanson/dp/0931674328/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354430661&sr=8-1&keywords=the+next+place

    Krazy Town

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  5. We've all had situations where we are at a loss wondering how we can support our kids. I say go to the funeral. Your student and his family will appreciate that you care enough to be there, and he will never forget your kindness.

    On a brighter note...love your blog. I'm your newest follower. I teach second-grade and have caught the science bug. My little people love it! I'm starting my master's degree in January (Curriculum and Instruction/Science), which is really strange because I have never been much of a science person.

    I'd love for you to check out my blog as well!

    Take Care, and try to have a good week!
    Karen
    LittleSecond-GradeSomebodies

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  6. Shayna,
    Go to the funeral. It will help the family. Continue to pray for this child. Do the things that pop into your head (that is God guiding you)!!!!
    One last thought, a snuggly quilt might also be a comfort. I made a quilt for a kid that list a parent. I put a piece of the mom's clothing inside with the batting. Now he has his mom hugging him each time he uses the quilt. I can help you.
    Hang in there.
    Love,
    Beth

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  7. So sorry to hear about your student. Going to the funeral will be nice. And then write him a personal note in a card. That will mean a lot.
    Rowdy in First Grade

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