How long have you known this child?

As a learning specialist, I fill out so many forms asking that simple question.  I completed one this week for a summer learning camp referral and realized that the answer, ‘8 months’, was about as long as I ever get to answer.  Has it just been 8 months, and what happened during that time? We work so closely, often one-on-one over the course of a school year, some less than a whole year.  I now know a lot about how they learn.  I know that one struggles to read as well as her peers.  Another may have a hard time expressing his feelings or comprehending the main theme in a story.  Yet another can read beautifully but putting thoughts to paper can cause feelings of panic.

A certain student is already developing a strong empathetic personality as a result of his own struggles.  Another read a book to the class this week for her birthday and her parents were brought to tears to finally witness this growth in their child.  And now, my part is coming to an end and I once again know that this business of learning is a process.  I am humbled by the opportunity I am given to participate, even for such a short time.  I am also deeply grateful to my colleagues who carefully and lovingly launch them to the next year.  What teacher will best build on those things we have learned?  What friends do they need to be most comfortable in their new class?  We function as a whole, as a community, to do our part in the process, this journey we call education. How long have I known this child?   Long enough to watch him grow, learn and flourish.  I’ve loved doing my part.

Learner, Thinker, Writer Nevelle Johnson serves the Trinity School Community as a Learning Specialist.