Category: Teaching
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Joy in Forgiveness
While teaching the other day, one of my students from another class walked in holding a sheet of paper. The previous day, this child marked their day with misbehavior that led me to pray multiple times, “Lord, help me.” As he approached me, instead of growing resentment, excitement took its…
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Statue of Sin
She stood there rigid on the playground. Her body was unmoving, and her gaze was unwavering. Lips sealed, jaw tight, fists clenched, holding on to the truth and not letting it go, no matter how much I persisted. “What’s going on?” I inquired. My student’s stubbornness responded with cold silence. …
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I Have To Be…
Perfectionism looms heavily over one of my students. It is a dark cloud that constantly drags, demands, and only leaves them feeling sullen and unforgiving. I was walking around the room checking on another students’ work when I noticed out of the corner of my eye, this student was starting…
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Think Time: I Did Nothing
I needed a break from one of my students, and they needed a break from the room. They were not behaving, but disobeying and breaking my rules from left to right. Nothing I was saying or doing was working. My patience had already worn thin, and I needed help, and…
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What Are You Bringing?
By the end of the school day, my desk is swarmed with various drawings from throughout the day. Some seem very insignificant, with just a drawing of a cute little strawberry with my name next to it. Others look more extravagant, from their dedication to adding more color to the…
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Decision Fatigue
Ms. Whisman, may I sharpen my pencil? Ms. Whisman, can I grab a tissue? Ms. Whisman, look what I just drew! Can you tie my shoe? Ms.Whisman, do you want to know what I ate for breakfast? Ms.Whisman my stomach hurts. Ms. Whisman, what are the directions again? Ms.Whisman, she…
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Hidden Conviction of a Seven-Year-Old
While sitting next to one of my students, she brought her eyes towards me and shared, “Well, that was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…” I responded with, “What was?” “Forgiving him. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,”…
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Prayer Requests from a Teacher
Another school year is on the horizon for me this week. A new crew of 2nd graders will be walking into my classroom. Some will be hesitant, shy, paralyzed with nerves, and eager to say absolutely nothing but just try to make it through the day unscathed. Others will burst…
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No Matter How The Day Goes
At the end of every day, I have a routine with my kids. They line up at the door and as they leave I give them the option of a hug if they want one and by name tell each of my students that “I love them.” They will either…
Rachel Whisman 