I remember the excitement I felt my first year of teaching at having my own classroom and my own group of students. Setting up my classroom was great fun.  I decorated the room with bright colors and positive messages about learning. I immersed myself in understanding the curriculum and thought carefully about how I would teach these concepts.

I was excited to get started, but it was exhausting to work the long days, evenings and weekends just to barely stay on top of things. It took me a while to feel fully comfortable with the new school, new colleagues, new parents, and new community.

I had so much on my mind, it took me a while to really notice Annie. Most of my students talked and moved constantly, bouncing from one activity to the next. Teaching was often a joy, but my students needed so much attention I tired myself out just trying to keep everyone on task.

Annie was different. She often sat alone and was very good at making herself invisible. Quiet and shy, she would rarely ask for help and found ways to ensure that no attention was called to her.                         

My first attempts at helping her were frustrating for both of us.  She was hesitant to try new things, and as a first-year teacher, my strategies were limited.  I knew I needed help, so I asked a trusted colleague for advice and she gave me some great ideas.  

One technique that worked well for Annie was to use music and mnemonics. It turned out that while Annie was shy about speaking in class, when she was alone she loved to sing. One subject Annie struggled in was math, but when we set math facts and concepts to song, she remembered them easily.

Annie would sometimes stay after school and offer to help clear the blackboards or tidy the room. I gratefully accepted and we would chat about the day. As Annie became more and more comfortable with me, she opened up and had a lot to say. She told me about her family, her dog Grover, and some of her family’s struggles.     

Annie still had her challenges in school, but I could see her making progress and developing more and more self confidence.  She began to smile more and speak up during class discussions. I was so proud of the academic progress she made, but I was also proud that she began to believe in herself.

One day after school, Annie handed me an envelope.  Tucked inside was a card she had  made with a picture of us holding hands.  It had been colored carefully with an elaborate border all the way around.  Underneath the picture, there were three words: You like me.

I started to tear up.  I gave her a huge hug and said, “Yes, Annie. I like you so much!  You are such a special, smart, and kind person.  You are an amazing after school helper too! And I love listening to you sing.” She looked up at me and smiled.  

Annie taught me that for all of our students to learn, it is important to try many different ways of teaching and learning. For Annie, singing was the key. But I never would have discovered that if I hadn’t gotten to know her and connected with her on a personal level.

Thank you for joining me… in helping our students sing.