All it takes is a simple act of kindness...

Today was the last day I had my sixth grade violin students since they're going to camp next week. Like every year, I wanted to get a combined picture of my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade violin students to remember them by. It was bittersweet, I was bummed that it was all coming to an end but at the same time I was also glad to be getting a small break from teaching among other things.

Towards the beginning of the class one my students pleasantly surprised me by giving me a note he had written me thanking me for teaching him violin. When he gave it to me he just stood there. I could see in his eyes that he wanted me to read it and so I did. Half way through the letter I smiled. Needless to say I was touched this totally made my day.I gave him a little hug and thanked him for this simple act of kindness.

I always feel like i wished i could've done more in the short time I got to work with these kids. Although I'll see some of the kids as middle schoolers, I know realistically that many will also move and I'll never see them again...the kid that gave me the letter...he's one of the students that I will see next year. Despite our short time together I'll be grateful for the kindness and appreciation the kids have shown towards me it's made me feel like I had a purpose. I don't know what will happen to a lot of these kids but I do hope they continue playing music and retain this need to do good for others.

Here's the letter from a little boy that made my day:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Altoclef02/Sunset%20Elementary%20June%202007/cardfromgustavo.jpg

Last but not least photos of my elementary school violin class:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Altoclef02/Sunset%20Elementary%20June%202007/DSC02298.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Altoclef02/Sunset%20Elementary%20June%202007/DSC02295.jpg

Aww, such a sweet thing :D

And it shows you were doing a good job, Mano :D

omg this is so sweet..what a beautiful class and a great teacher you are!! HUGS!

Mano, that's wonderful. He's a colorful kid, huh, love the changes, really spices it up.

You're a great guy Paul.

That's JUST precious!:)

This is so sweet - isn't it amazing how something like this can lift your spirits.

You obviously connected with this kid.

Talking about acts of kindness, he put a smile on your face and your put a smile on ours! Thanks, Mano/Dr. 0/Doctor of Looooooooooove! This post gives a whole new dimension to the Doctor of Loooooooove moniker!
Keep spreading that love around!

You rock, Mano - we need more teachers like you!!

Ahh, dear friend - you know, when I see those kids with their violins laughing, having fun and cutting up, it makes me think: This how learning music SHOULD be. All the time. The world needs more music teachers like you, sweetie.

Awwwwww . . . Mano . . . they're so sweet. And the sentiments of your students shows that you are connecting with them and doing a great job. This must be so rewarding for you. Kudos!! :yes:

lives touched...
can't ask for more then that

That is sweet...very beautiful. Kids are so sweet and open and let it out right from their heart!

Both of my sisters are teachers, one is retired now.

The other teaches pre-K, and its very stressful to her, shes 63. Its in a low-income city school, and under some kind of program called High Scope. She has to do TONS of work at home ('off the clock', obviously)...even for Pre-K.

One of her students got hit by a car and broke his leg. They had her getting all this work ready for him to take to his house, to do while he recuperated. She was thinking how ridiculous it was and was mad over the whole thing.

When she was ready with the work, she called his house, and his aunt answered (shes raising him). She got him on the phone to say hello, and he talked to my sister, my sister asked if he was in pain, etc. He said, "yes Mrs. C., it hurts real bad, and i'm scared, but i still love you." Well, my sister said she gulped so hard she couldnt even answer right away. She told me - sometimes it makes it all worth it, and shes reminded why she's taught for so long...two more years til retirement.

So, thanks Mano, and to all teachers!

And i so believe in small acts of kindness!!