He might try to be King of the Wild Things, but he's really a softie at heart.

I have an amazing class. Sure, I say that every year but this time I MEAN it. 

Yeah, they talk ALL THE TIME, they almost never raise their hands and they can’t seem to pick up after themselves.

But I love them to pieces.

They are animated, enthusiastic, talented, curious, mischievous, and every other descriptor I can think of.

I also have a broad range of ability in my class- as do all teachers.  I have one particular child who has a very difficult time keeping up with the rest of the class. The child is not a behavior problem in any way and thrives on routine.  The children all know him - as they were with him in kindergarten.  He has some difficulty learning, but I’ve been told he’s made great strides since kindergarten.  I am happy for him, yet am frustrated that I can’t do more to help him along the way.

The children are so amazing in the way they include him, and make sure he is following directions or completing assignments.  There is always one person or another who steps up to be his partner.

Well, most of the time.  Some days the kids are just plain tired.

Today was one of those days.

I was explaining the tasks for our Literacy Centers and then proceeded to ask them for their choices.  Each child chooses where they go, and I was in the middle of the class list when our dear boy said that he wanted to Read to Someone.  Most of the children left on the carpet put their hands down and looked away.  I knew it wasn’t mean spirited- because the children always included him.  I think they were just, well, tired.

Then in the corner of my eye, I saw a hand go up.

“I’ll read with you, “ the boy said happily as he stood up.

And I smiled.

“Great!  Thanks, Max.  You two go on now.”

It took me a moment to gather myself.  That boy – that incredibly active, wild, loud, impetuous, wonderful AMAZING boy, didn’t think twice about reading with Zack.

And I had to fight to wipe a tear. 

(That boy kicks some serious @$$.)