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When your child comes home MESSY
Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes? Peanut butter on the favorite shirts? White socks that look brown? Sleeves a little bit damp?
Your child probably . . .
Worked with a friend
solved a problem
created a masterpiece
negotiated a difference
learned a new skill
had a great time
developed a new language skills
Your child probably didn't . . .
Feel lonely
become bored
do repetitive tasks that are too babyish
do worksheets tasks that are too easy
do sit down work that is discouraging
Your probably . . .
Paid good money for those clothes
will have trouble getting the red paint out
are concerned that the teacher isn't paying enough attention to your child
The teacher probably . . .
Was aware of your child's needs and interests
spent time planning a challenging activity for the children
encouraged the children to try new things
put smocks on the children
was worried that you might be concerned.
The Star Polisher (Leah Becks)
I have a great job in the universe of occupations.
What do I do?
I’m a “star polisher”.
I have a very important job.
If you want to know how important
Just go out at night and look at the stars.
Twinkling and sparkling.
You see, I’m a teacher.
The stars are the children in my class.
My job is to take them in-
In whatever shape they’re in-
And shine and buff them and send them out to take
Their places as bright little twinkling beacons in the sky.
They come in my room in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes they’re bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly, and broken.
Some stars are cuddly, soft, and sweet.
Some stars are prickly and thorny.
I tell them that the world cannot do without them.
I tell them they can do anything they set their minds to do.
I tell them they can be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky
and the world will be a better place because of them.
Each night as I look at the sky, I'm reminded of my very
important job and awesome responsibility.
I go and get my soft buffing cloth and my bottle of polish in preparation
for tomorrow and for my class of little stars.