I teach 2nd grade this year. 

I have 12 boys and 6 girls so far...2 more boys join us in another week. 

Those of us back in school are dealing with the aftermath of Covid-19 and almost 9 mnths out of physical school for most of our kids. We predicted we’d face social emotional delays of at least 6 months. I’m definitely seeing a lot of that and by day two threw out my original plans for some of the autonomy and regrouped. They’re just not there yet. 

Today one of my little guys had had enough. Exhausted from a busy week he had a complete meltdown at dismissal. We were at at standstill and a colleague jumped in to support. Primal screams and rage continued and we asked everyone to just give us all space. It’s funny how non ECE react to completely developmentally appropriate behaviors.

Busses had already been delayed when I got a call from the bus coordinator to meet my student’s bus ASAP. He was in tears and inconsolable, I sat down next to him and road home with him. I got to connect with mom and dad in person and reassure them we’re all good. We followed up with a few messages and wished each other a good weekend.

I moved up to Grade 2 for a few reasons, I’ve known for months who my class would be and what challenges I might encounter. I’ve had a lot of time to process what it might be like for an ECE teacher to move into this new challenge. 

This afternoon could have easily been a horrible disaster for us both, but I am so grateful I had a colleague seamlessly support us both so I could refocus and check myself for adult reactions to a real kid emotion.

Later we reflected and shared how we’re often praised for being so “patient” for working with littles. But we’re not patient. We’re accepting. We accept this is who they are and we give them what they need. We meet them where they’re at. 

These are little human beings with really big emotions. 

They are #smallbutmightyece