Monday, October 1, 2012

Day 15: Kelli Litterer, Reading Intervention Specialist

A Lasting Bond

 
I am in a new position this year teaching Title Reading in grades 1-3.  When I told my third grade students at the end of the year last year, I told them what I always tell my kids, “Do not ever become so cool that you can’t come and give your old third grade teacher a hug!”  However, I was concerned.  I would be in a new room on the other side of the building.  My former students would no longer walk past “Littererland” on their way to class.  I had a very special bond with that class, but selfishly I worried that they would forget me, so I added, “Come find me next year in Room 36, right across from the office...”
 
 

My former students showed me compassion and giving as school started and I tackled my new job.  Every time I would see my kids from last year, we’d say hi and some would hug me.  I took on the position of overseeing morning announcements so I could continue to get my “big kid” time.  I even set up special days to have lunch with my former students.  It was fun hanging out with them.  We reminisced and also talked about how things were going in their new classes.  I learned that I needn’t have worried at all.  My old students helped me transition.  I enjoy my new job and working with younger students is fun and challenging.   

One in particular, Abyan, made sure I knew she cared.  During the second week of school Abyan told me she had been going to my room every morning looking for me.  She said she even came in before school started.  I missed her every time.  I told her that I am in the computer lab for morning announcements each day.  Every single day since then, Abyan has come to give me a hug.  Sometimes I am busy setting equipment up or telling students what they need to do, and sometimes we even have to walk in front of the camera, but every morning I get my hug.  On Monday, Abyan brought in a healthy snack for me.  I was especially touched because she used to do this occasionally last year when our class had snacks during math.  She remembered that I love Nutrigrain bars.  Abyan and the rest of my former students showed me that it doesn’t matter what I teach or where I teach.  Our special bond will always bring us together.

Mrs. Litterer is a Reading Intervention Specialist at Hilliard Horizon Elementary.

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