Lunch "Friend"

Today was an early release day at my PDS. This means that in fifth grade, the students rotate through all of their classes in the morning. Usually the students have three classes, then lunch and recess, and then a final class. On a normal day my homeroom is the last class. When my homeroom students arrived into the classroom for class today, I noticed that one student was not acting like herself. This student was quiet and seemed extremely upset. Before class began I asked her what was wrong. She explained to me that she did not do very well on her math exam, and earned a D. At this point I asked her what would help and she said that she needed a hug. I gave the student a hug, and she broke down crying. I then asked her if she would like to go to the restroom to clean herself up. She agreed and left the classroom. The special education teacher that was in our classroom told me that if I wanted to go talk with her I could use his classroom. I went out into the hallway with the student and asked her if she would like to go talk in the classroom with me; and she said yes. When we arrived in the classroom I found her some tissues and began asking her questions about the test she had failed. She explained to me that she had studied for the test, but since it was a timed test she just ran out of time. After a brief conversation, I found out that her next test was tomorrow. Then I asked if she would like me to practice some multiplication facts with her; she answered yes. She explained that she was upset and did not feel like being around people, so I asked if she would like to bring her lunch into the classroom and she wanted to! So at lunch time, I had a friend. At first, I thought this might be a little bit awkward for the both of us, but it was truly a great time! We just talked, and I learned so much about this particular student. She really opened up to me and I feel like I understand her so much more now that I had this opportunity. This made me think if I had the time to do this with each student, I may understand them so much more than I do now. I think that this student and I both have a new respect for each other; and I'm hoping this carries over into the classroom. If students see you as a real person, who cares, then I feel like they will be so much more likely to open up to you. I think that I learned something today from this student, something that I will truly never forget. All this student needed was someone to show that they cared; and today, that person got to be me!