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The Gift

3/3/2015

8 Comments

 
Picture


Once a week I volunteer at the elementary school where I spent twenty years as a reading specialist. Usually I help out during writing workshop in a first grade and a second grade classroom, but on one of my recent visits I had the opportunity to do some reading and writing with the first graders. Connie, the teacher, asked if I would read with Michael, one of her more reluctant readers. I could tell right away that Michael was active, and maybe a little fidgety, but he willingly brought his book box over to the table and read the book he had just worked on in his small group. After he was finished and we had talked a little about his success as a reader I asked, “What else have you got in there that you could share with me?” The conversation went something like this:

 

Michael (digging through the box): Well, my favorite books are the Danny books.

Me: I love Danny! Those books were the most popular books in my room when I worked here.

Michael (proudly pulling out all the Danny books and sorting them into two piles): I can read these, but I can’t read                      those other ones yet.

Me: Why don’t you pick one of those other ones and we’ll try it together.

Michael and I spent the rest of our time together reading through several titles and laughing together as Danny plays with Bee, goes for a walk, visits a car wash, and learns what objects sink or float. As I helped Michael put the books away, I noticed my name written inside the front cover of one. I remembered that I had given the books to Connie for her classroom just before I retired. I explained this to Michael who replied, “I’m so glad you gave them to her. They are the best books to read! Thank you.”

I’m not sure who received the bigger gift that day, me or Michael.

(Check out www.maryruthbooks.com for more info about Danny)


8 Comments
Linsey Taylor link
3/3/2015 02:28:29 am

I love those moments with kids! As a librarian teacher it thrills my soul to heard about moments like these!

Reply
arjeha link
3/3/2015 04:29:14 am

It is clear to see the each of you made the other's day.

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Raivenne link
3/3/2015 04:32:49 am

It's wonderful from Michael's perspective and there is no question that he enjoyed and appreciated your presence, but it is really a surprise when volunteers in this capacity -well- volunteers? You, on the other hand, had no way of knowing the gift you gave would come back to you in such a perfect way. I believe you get this round, but it is a very close call.

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Adrienne link
3/3/2015 05:29:04 am

Oh, how heartwarming! I love the way you frame this, too: "we had talked a little about his success as a reader". What a lucky conversation for you both!

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Catherine link
3/3/2015 06:21:25 am

What a special moment for you and Michael. I love knowing a child has connected with a book. I can't believe I've never heard of these books, but I'll be ordering them now. Thank you for sharing!

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Stacey link
3/3/2015 07:19:54 am

Lucky kids and teachers to have you coming back to volunteer weekly!

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Jill DeRosa
3/3/2015 07:50:55 am

The children are so lucky to have you in that classroom. I love the interaction between the two of you and the way you made him feel like a reader. Such a powerful experience for the both of you.

Reply
elsie
3/3/2015 09:46:00 am

What a feeling of accomplishment for both of you. He built confidence and you witnessed your gift of books being used and loved. I'd say that was a great day for both of you.

Reply



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