The Puddle-Jumper

Random thoughts at random times–early today while relaxing with the first cup of coffee, with my feet up, looking out the window at my host’s beautiful yard.  In the distance I heard the train whistle and the rumble of the train along the rails, bringing up the memory of my 6-year-old self anxiously awaiting my first train ride.  It was a short train with one passenger car that made daily runs between the small Kansas towns and I was actually going to ride it–the Puddlejumper. I still remember looking out in wonder at the scenery passing by, so much I hadn’t seen before.  By the time the ride was over it felt like a mission accomplished, to be revived any time I heard a train whistle and envisioned my Puddle-Jumper day.

In my morning coffee-time musings, I thought about the connection between my lifetime moment and the moments students and teachers have as they anticipate and start a new school year.  No matter how many school years you’ve ended being “tired to the bone” you are somehow excited about starting a new year.  If you’ve ever taught kindergarten especially, you know the joy in the first day of new students–some still hanging onto a parent, not sure whether or not to let go.  

The common expectation among first-time kindergarteners is that they are finally going to learn to read and write–and that is exactly what you let them do on their first “journey” to school.  Make a simple sheet. (Yes, of course, you can make it cute with graphics.) 
    “My name is _______.
     I can learn to read.”
The student writes a name on the line, “reads” it with you, and takes it home to “read,”  having met a reading and writing expectation.  When parents ask, “What did you learn today?” students will have an answer, excited to continue the journey.  So, teachers, get students at all levels aboard each day looking forward to at least one new learning experience–YOU are the engineer.  Lead them to that Puddle-Jumper moment! 

Copyright 2018 Faye Crow