On Thursdays during P.E. and Swimming, I have a weekly meeting to attend in the office. Sometimes, I return late to class, but the students know that they are expected to work quietly on catch up work or read. One day when I returned a few minutes late, Makai came up to my desk and said, "Miss Kano, I wrote my number in the time-out box on the board because I was talking while you were gone. I know that's not what I was supposed to be doing and I'm sorry." His honesty and integrity speak volumes to his character, and he is the joy of our class. I absolutely adore his positive spirit and ability to cheer everyone up.
Every morning, I select a special student to lead our class in practicing their Bible Verse, Catechism, and chants. Because she had done an excellent job doing her morning business, I asked Catelyn to be the student leader. While she was singing her part as the leader, another student started singing along with her so she stopped, motioned, "shh" and continued. She motioned to him kindly but firmly, as she was reminding him that she is confident and capable of leading the class on her own. I am so proud of Catelyn for standing up for herself, and for emerging as a strong and kind leader. She reminds me how important and valuable it is to believe in oneself.
We were reading a short story in class about a man who was trying to save his co-workers from a fire that broke out at their workplace. Our class discussion transitioned to talking about how if a real fire broke out in our class, I would be the last one out to make sure that they are safe. Keaka raised his hand and said, "No. You wouldn't be the last one. I would. Because I would want to make sure that you got out first." This was one of many instances where Keaka has demonstrated his loyalty and protection of his classmates and me. He already understands that sacrifice is the true mark of love, which is a reflection of Christ in him. I am so impressed by his strength and leadership abilities.
A few weeks ago, some students noticed that I was wearing the same dress I wore when I substitute taught their class last year. I was surprised and asked, "Wait, really? Do you guys remember what I wear?" Simon raised his hand and said, "Yes! My favorite outfit is the one you wore on the first day of school-the white and red one. You looked so beautiful." He also wrote a card to Mrs. Reidberger saying that he liked her jewelry and that she had a pretty smile. He always has something sweet to say, and he freely gives genuine affirmation to his peers and to his teachers. What a blessing!
Tyler almost runs me over at least three times a day and it is the best feeling in the world! As I'm walking around the classroom or just standing with my back turned toward him, all of a sudden, I will feel the impact of a child running towards me and then squeezing me as tight as he can. This is the highlight of everyday. He always seems to know exactly when I need some affection and encouragement, and his bright enthusiasm fills me and his classmates with so much joy.
Ethan is always thinking about Jesus. Whether it is a History lesson, a chant, or a conversation we are having in class, his questions and comments point to how the situation or passage relates to Christ. Last week, he asked me when we could do a Bible test on Jesus because we've been spending so much time talking about judges. Ethan's heart for Christ and focus on Him is a true testament to God's spirit in him. He is kind and affectionate toward everyone lucky enough to know him, and every single day, he comes up to me with arms outstretched and says, "I need a hug." This is the best request any student can make and I am always overjoyed to oblige.
Aiyana loves everyone. Whether it is a peer, a teacher or a random visitor whom she has never seen before, Aiyana never fails to give a big smile and a hug to anyone who walks by. When she is finished with her work, she uses her time to write encouraging notes and draws pictures for her classmates, teacher, and former teachers. She even had me deliver a note to her preschool teacher! She has a thankful and affirming heart that is constantly looking for ways to be encouraging.
As we are working on reading comprehension in class, I strategically partnered students to work together on an assignment. As Kamalei is a very strong reader, I paired her with another student who is struggling with his verbal skills. As I walked around the classroom, I paid special attention to see their dynamics as a team, and I was so proud of Kamalei for being kind and encouraging. She didn't just give her partner the answers; she patiently asked questions to help him come up with the answer on his own. She was helping him in a way that gave him the confidence to do the work well, and she teaches me how to be a better teacher.
During lunch, Siena accidentally dropped a few chips on the floor and stepped on them, but she quickly dropped to the floor and started picking them up. She asked me if the cleaners were coming later that day, and when I answered, "Yes," she said, "Oh no! Okay, I'm going to pick this up really good because I don't want them to have to deal with it." Siena's great respect for others is evident in her thoughtfulness and courtesy towards people she hasn't even met before, and this is a true testament to her character. She reminds me not to take anyone for granted.
The day we returned from Fall Break, Kailianu was the first one in the classroom. He walked in, threw his fists in the air above his head and said, "YES! I'm the first one back!" Everyday, Kailianu comes to school with a positive attitude and is ready to learn. He never complains, and his enthusiasm to learn and to participate not only encourage me, but also set the class climate. Because of an injury, he has been on crutches for the past week but there is never a shortage of peers fighting over who can help him with his backpack, lunch, and other needs because of his kindness toward them. I am so blessed to be the recipient of his goodness and gentleness, as he cannot help but exude the fruits of the spirit.
Last week, I had the students start a thankful list in their journals. Jacob came up to my desk and said, "I'm writing down that I'm thankful for Ky, and this is talking about your brother Ky. I just want to make sure that you know which one." Every now and then, I tell stories about my childhood during lunch, and my older brother Ky is often in them. When Jacob was making his list of things he is thankful for, he wrote that he is thankful for God, his family, friends, etc., but he also wrote that he is thankful for my older brother Ky because Ky was a hero to me. Jacob's ability to not only think of himself but also think of others and be happy for them shows how much he cares. I am very touched by his thoughtfulness and intentionality in showing love.
Weeks before her birthday, Sofia began telling me about how excited she was that her grandmother was flying in to celebrate. We talked about this almost every day, as Sofia emphasized that her grandma has NEVER missed a birthday, whether it be in Germany, San Diego and now Hawaii. Often, we take those close to us for granted, but Sofia truly treasures the love of her family and appreciates them. She reminds me how important it is to value the care and love of family and friends.
In the first month of school, it can be hard to train students to get back into the swing of the daily routine, so teachers try to lock down in the beginning and then ease up. During this period of time, I gave Kami a time-out. I can't even remember what the problem was, but I will never forget her response. Later that day, she wrote me a note that said, "Dear Miss Kano, Thank you for giving me time-outs because they help me to learn." Her repentant and sweet heart blows me away, for it shows great maturity and understanding. Kami often goes out of her way to draw pictures and write thoughtful notes to encourage her classmates and her teachers.
While I was on recess duty, I saw a student yell at Shayla about something that was not her fault. He was being very disrespectful, but instead of yelling back, she chose to politely say, "Oh okay." I called both of them over and told the other student that his behavior was unkind and unacceptable, but Shayla was quick to forgive and even continued playing with him. Whether it is in class or on the blacktop, Shayla consistently treats others with kindness and respect, and I admire her for having the discernment to know that she needn't concern herself with others who don't return the favor.
Our Veritas Bible curriculum uses summary cards that tell the main points of Biblical stories. For most students, the information on the card is enough, but Titan thirsts for more knowledge because his mind and heart yearn for more of God everyday. When we were talking about how Samson was a Nazarite, he raised his hand to share what he learned about Nazarites in church and then asked if he could read it from the Bible. Titan also often chooses his Bible to read during S.U.R.F. (Silent Uninterrupted Reading for Fun), and I am inspired by his devotion to the Word.
How I love my dear fox Sophie! I adore her creativity, and she has such a unique sense of humor. I know that she loves foxes, and one day during Math, I noticed she had her hands up like paws and her nose in the air as if she was sniffing. I walked by her and whispered, "Sophie, are you being a fox?" She giggled, nodded and said, "Mm hmm." Her imagination is so refreshing and every time I have a conversation with her, I smile as she walks away because her bright spirit makes me so happy.
As my co-teacher and friend, Carolyn (Mrs. Reidberger) has been a huge blessing and great help to me and to 3B. By the time we met over the summer, Carolyn had already made copies of everything we needed for the first 8 weeks of school, and organized and labeled them! When she helped me carry all of the papers over to my class, she said, "My definition of success is helping someone else be successful. I'm here for you for anything." She has kept her word, and has been a loving and humble mentor to me. I am immensely grateful for her kind and genuine heart, and I look forward to continuing to learn from her.
Miss Kano
3rd Grade Teacher