Teacher Talks About Struggling Learners

Dear Don:

I read your book as an educator, but I was reminded of feelings I had as a student about teachers who made ME feel important and special. My second grade phonics teacher is probably the reason I love teaching phonics today. My fourth grade teacher always let me wash the board and help her around the classroom. In high school, my journalism teacher counted on me to make sure the weekly newspaper got out on time. If she hadn't had confidence in me the whole school would have been disappointed that week. I also recalled teachers who made me feel inadequate… like a Kdg teacher who said I talked too much or a jr high language teacher who embarrassed me in front of the whole class.

Your book helped me remember how important our daily comments CAN be to students, both good and bad. A few years ago, I taught first-graders during Inclusion of Phonics. Michael was known as a problem. I knew it wasn't little Michael's fault that his parents were poor and began to call on him whenever I was in the classroom. His confidence grew and he became one of our best students that year. His classroom teacher was amazed at his progress. Michael moved away, but I often think of him and wonder if anyone made him feel special once he left here. Thank goodness YOUR book, Building Wings, reminded me to make a point of inspiring all kids to feel like Michael, and that they, too, can reach their full potential!

Gratefully,
Debbie B. Title I Reading Teacher , OH