Let them know they are loved.

Thanks to my dear friend Marneta, (the lady behind Relax Kids) I have been challenged to write everyday. I'm not sure I can do that just yet as I a) don't want to bore people to death or b) usually I wait till I've got a fire in my belly about something. The last post was particularly fiery, I was so very sad about what's going on. However, now that I've had a week to regain my sanity, I am beginning to remember all the lovely, joyful things that teaching is all about. So I aim to share a few things as I think of them... As there are lots of positives about working with little ones. 

Something I feel very passionately about is making sure children know how great they are. That they can't be defined by a percentage or a grade. At the end of this year I held a little ceremony, where I invited each child up to the front of class one by one. I handed them a mix tape of our favourite songs and that we've listened to thorough out the year and a little card. More importantly though, I told each and everyone of them what was brilliant about them. What their strengths are, and that they are loved. I just hope they will remember all those things as they get older. As she took her CD, one little girl thanked me for loving her so much, bless her. 

As I said in the last post, being kind and working hard was what we focused on this year. I read the following quote and it resonated with me as it's the kind of thing my mum, and her mum (Nanny Pam - the hero) would say and do. 

"Spread love everywhere you go. First of all in your own house. Give love to your children, your husband or wife, your friend or your neighbour. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better or happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness, kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting." 

Go on Mother Theresa! Yes, I just quoted the big MT. You can ignore the God part in that if you want, I'm not preaching. The important part is the rest of it.

Now that we've all chundered everywhere at how sickening this post has been.... My friends will agree; I am not one for sweetness and innocence but sod it, the world could do with a bit of love!