A Paper Snake & A Piece of String

"Nothing expresses pure love more potently than a handmade gift from a child." ~A. Schaefer

Besides being a writer, my other job is Reading Teacher. I help elementary school students who are struggling readers become more proficient and confident as they master the art of language. Mostly that translates to us reading fun things together, playing vocabulary games, and talking about what we read. Sometimes I read to them, but mostly they read to me, making my workday filled with story-time. I've got to say, it's a job I'd totally do without pay and here's one of the biggest reasons why...

This was my last day with the group of students I was assigned for this school year and all of their classes were having the end-of-year picnic. I stopped in each class to deliver cookies and say my goodbyes, getting lots of hugs from the kids. It was glorious! In one class, however, a little boy stopped me on my way out. "I have something for you," he said and pulled out a paper snake bracelet he'd made for me. He tried to be very careful slipping it over my hand, but in the process it broke in the middle. He was not at all deterred, and went to dig a glue stick out of his desk. He came back, took the glue stick and very seriously told me, "Hold really still." I did so, smiling like it was my birthday, while the little guy glued his gift in place on my wrist. "There," he announced proudly, satisfied with the result. "It's perfect," I told him, leaning down to hug him tight. "Thank you," I said most sincerely.

The last class I visited, I was again stopped at the door. The little boy who held me back said shyly, "Mrs. Schaefer, I want a kiss." I leaned down and kissed his adorable forehead. When I was done, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a colorful piece of string, put it in my hand and took off to where his friends were waiting for him. I'd forgotten just how adept kids are at teaching us grown-ups how to be bold and fearless, but I promise you I will not be forgetting anytime soon just how fortunate I am to be able to do what I do with amazing teachers and students who make my whole heart happy!

While I enjoy getting paid for doing a job I love, there is NO monetary compensation to allow for the simple gifts the children give me every time I see them that flat out turn my heart to goo!