Can you read this for me?

I see myself thinking about and focusing on a few different things that I see happening in the classroom. They are things that I see as challenges and there are also students that I see in the classroom who I have a lot of questions about and want to find the best possible ways to help them.

There are several challenges that I have been thinking about and dealing with. One challenge that is very apparent to me is the range of students. I see that so many of the students are at such different levels. They are different levels in what they know, in their behavior, and what they can learn (developmentally.) I see this as a huge challenge. How can a classroom help to foster all of these students that are different levels? It frustrating because I see the students who are “high achievers” or academically further along and I think that need more challenge. They finish early and are bored in class. On the other hand, there are students who are struggling. They cannot read, they can hardly do math or write letters and numbers correctly. They need more time and help. Yet, they are being pushed along and the teacher seemingly can do nothing but try to find a balance. The early finishers wait and those who are struggling are being strung along.  We obviously can’t create a different class and curriculum for each individual students needs. But, what do we do? I want each student to get the education that is fitting for him or her. I want the faster students to be more challenged and I want the slower students to be given more help and time. I discussed this with my teacher because I see it happening everyday and I am, right now, at a loss for what to do. She said in her past 20 years of teaching it has been a challenge. Even she was not completely confident in how to come up with a solution for this.

However, I do see where my feelings and focus lies right now for this challenge. While I do care about the students who are progressing and achieving, I am not so worried about them. I don’t think that just because they are not challenged enough means that they are going to fall through the cracks or become unmotivated. However, I am probably wrong. But, my focus lies on those students who are struggling and not getting enough of what they need.  For example, the students who are English Learners or the students who don’t have the resources at home. There are many students in my class in this scenario. But, there is one that became very apparent today. I'll call him A. He has been a challenge behaviorally for me.  He likes to test me and really is smart in the sense that he can read people. He is an average/below average student. He has trouble focusing and likes to act out. But, I see that it is because he is not getting the help he needs. He is constantly saying, “I need help.” “Man, this is too much work.” I like A but he has frustrated me at times. Today, however, my perspective changed even more. My teacher was telling me today about back-to-school night last night. She said that A’s father came in and she found out that his father was illiterate. His dad can’t even read to him! So much just fell into place for me today. School is the only place that A gets help and he really needs it to succeed, if he had it, he would! But, with so many different needs of different students I feel like the teacher can’t just focus on A to reach his full potential. My wheels have been turning even before today about A, even more so now. I just want to know how I can help him and other students like him. How do we help him not just be strung along? I have so many questions! But, on a positive note, we went to the library as a class today to pick out books. When we returned back to the classroom the students had time to read their books. A walked up to me with his book and said, “Can you read this for me?” I hope I hid my emotions! Inside I was shocked. Here’s this kid who I am always nagging about behaving and working. I just heard about his illiterate father this morning and he wants me to read him a book! I was so happy; beyond happy that he asked me and that I could do that for him. Even hours later writing about it, I am ecstatic and hopeful! That moment was definitely one I’ll hold on to!