It goes without saying that everyone needs a bit of validation from time to time.
We like to know that our efforts in whatever we are doing aren’t for naught.
Last Friday, I unexpectedly received such validation from two different people I work with.
The first, a fellow Reading teacher, called my classroom and told me how much she loved the Validity/Reliability Prezi I had shared with her.
I created this Prezi last year and brought it out again this year to teach key terminology and concepts.
She’s a new Reading teacher, and our team is really great about sharing resources with each other, so I didn’t think much about what I was doing.
She raved about how engaging the Prezi was…much more so than a PowerPoint would have been.
She continued to extol my awesomeness.
I was embarrassed but in a happy way…glad that I could help her out.
The second person who provided validation was an English teacher who shares some of the students I teach.
She sent me an email Friday afternoon that warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
She told me that several of my students had been proudly telling her about the books they had been reading…bragging about how many they’ve read this year and how quickly they are flying through them.
She went on to say that my efforts are not in vain…that by reading the YA Fiction I put in front of the kids, I am taking the extra step needed to foster a true love of reading.
Folks, many students do not like to read.
When they enter Intensive Reading, many buck at the required silent reading that is part of our daily routine.
At least at first, they do.
Something happens to the kids, though, during the year.
They grow to love their reading time and are disappointed when other activities cut it short.
I don’t know that they often have time to set apart for reading outside of class.
Giving them a solid 20 to 25 minutes allows them to get into their books, immersing themselves into their characters’ lives.
It’s a beautiful thing to behold, but something that I’ve often wondered is carried beyond my classroom door.
My coworker’s email confirmed that what I am doing is having long-lasting results.
It’s something I didn’t know I needed to hear until I read her words.
What struck me even more was this teacher’s kindness in taking the time to compose the lengthy email.
She has six classes of students…double my load (I only teach three double-blocks with half the number of students).
I know every minute is valuable to her.
I’m honored and humbled that she used some of that precious time to lift my spirits.
It’s something I need to make more of an effort to do for others.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
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