I stopped in the middle of writing Math problems on the board and turned to see José, Carolina, and Leo, three of the 4th graders in the class I assist in twice a week. Now crossing the room to meet them, I returned the greeting, "Good morning guys!"
"Can we come in?"
Their teacher had stepped out of the room and left me with the task of creating Math warm-up problems before her class arrived for the day. Usually she had them wait outside in a line if she was not yet in the room. Not wanting to disrupt her morning routine, I hesitated in my response, debating whether or not it was a good idea.
"Well...I'm not so sure your teacher wants you in the room without her here."
"But you're a teacher!" Leo protested.
"Actually I'm not quite there yet. Still studying to be one.."
"But you look like one," José added.
I laughed at this and over dramatically brushed some hair back with my hand while using the other to gesture toward my clothes saying, "I try, I try."
They all laughed at my sudden change in character and then asked it they would be having another sub today (they had had one the past two days).
"No, your real teacher's back today!"
They were grateful for that, and I decided to inform them that I would have the chance to teach them a Math lesson a week from today. "But, you will have another sub on that day," I told them.
"Oh man! Too many subs!" Leo complained.
"But I'll be here too!" I tried to offer.
"Yeah but you're never here the whole day!" José reminded me (I only stay until 10am)
I couldn't help but smile because nearly every day that I am there someone lets me know they are disappointed that I always have to leave "so early". It's nice to know they like me!
"I'll tell you what, I will let you in if you promise to sit quietly for your teacher and start those Math problems on the board."
"Yes ma'am!"
They really are such a polite bunch.
Those kids are getting comfortable with me now and are raising their hands asking for "Ms. Joens" when they don't understand a problem and are always trying to tell me little stories and figure out some more information about me. As I was standing by Ana's desk today she asked, "Do you still have my bunny?" About a week ago she had drawn me a picture of a bunny eating carrots with the words "From Ana". It was so precious I had to keep it. "Yes," I reassured her with a smile, "I have it at my apartment."
And as always whenever I have to leave, the class burst out in a chorus of "Bye Ms. Joens!" and "See you next week!" all wildly waving their arms. They truly have captured my hearts and I know I am going to love, absolutely love, being a teacher! :)
