This was me…today…Day 53 of this school year…
My arms were full as I carried my teacher bag, filled to the brim with lesson planning books, and a big surprise for Ms. J, the student I introduced you to yesterday…
First period…my planning…came and went, as did my second/third period block.
Finally, fourth period began, and J walked into my classroom.
I had a present for her, but I wanted to wait a few minutes longer.
She had bellwork to complete…stuff that actually counted for a numerical grade.
I knew if I sprung my surprise on her, she’d be completely distracted.
It was all I could do to refrain from reaching behind my desk to grab the books pictured above.
Bellwork was finished…then fluency.
And then…
I casually walked over to J’s seat and sat the boxed set in front of her.
She raised her head, and a huge smile appeared on her face.
She squealed in delight…much to the curiosity of her classmates.
“OMG, OMG,” she said. “I can’t believe it!”
She carefully took each book out, lovingly running her hands over all six of them in turn.
She commented that the covers had changed.
Another student asked what the series was about, and though she tried to put it into words, she wound up just saying, “I will cry when I read these. I can’t explain it. You’ll just have to read them.”
When she opened the first book, ready to begin diving in, she exclaimed at the poster that was inside.
She doesn’t know this, but I think I’m going to give her the poster. I really have no connection to it, except that it would remind me of her long after she has departed my room for the last time.
As I later reflected on her reaction, I realized that she never said “thank you.”
I know, though, from her reactions, that she’s extremely grateful…that my gift touched her heart in a way that makes words insufficient and, quite honestly, unnecessary.
In case you wonder why I spend hard-earned money on my students, J’s tale should speak for itself.
To watch a love affair develop between a student and a book is worth every penny spent.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
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