The Kind of Education You Don't Get In College

Week number 2 at Hubbell and I am loving the kids more and more! I'm not sure what it is or when it happened but whatever led me to teaching is really a blessing. Unfortunately, I did have to face a hard and serious truth today in my 5th grade class. One of my kids was looking ill and was completely un-engaged with the class so I sent him to the nurses office. I was talking to my teacher after class and found that this 5th grader has been involved in gang activity since at least the 4th grade if not earlier, he often sleeps through class because he is up all night with an infant sister. I was almost brought to tears. No nine year-old should have to live that life, and see the classroom as a safe place to sleep, but that is reality, and what's worse is that's reality in DSM. This is the part of teaching that I was completely unprepared to face, I never thought that elementary kids would have these kinds of struggles, how will I ever relate to them?! I am really glad I am in a DMPS classroom for my first practicum and I think that I will land in an at-risk school setting. I don't know what your views on prayer and religion are but just keep kids like my 5th grader in your thoughts and close to your hearts and more importantly give thanks for lives we all have.