Yesterday a beautiful thing happened.
My third graders were learning about Context Clues. Their task was to work together as a table group to figure out the unknown word using the clues in the sentence.
One of my students was struggling and his table-mates noticed. They didn’t realize I had overheard their conversation.
In a gentle way, Student A said, “Are you confused about how to do this, ___?”
“If you are, it’s okay! Tell Miss Kriegl!” Student B suggested.
“Maybe we could help you during reading, ____!” piped up Student C.
I knew I had just witnessed an unforgettable moment unfold. These students recognized the trouble in this worried student’s eyes. They did not laugh, they did not mock, they did not ignore it. Instead, they chose to have compassion and reach out to help another in need.
If that’s not the making of amazing, empathetic characters, I don’t know what is. We could all take a page from their book.
In this moment, I could not be more proud of my students and their beautiful hearts.
This is the Notebook Page that his teammates made to help him out! What a hoot, right?! So clever, so funny, so compassionate! 🙂
And I love how it says College Class 1. hahah!
theteachingbee 
I am feeling a bit teary this morning, and this post brought out the waterworks again. Beautiful students! Your pride in them is heartfelt. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m sorry for the waterworks! Thank YOU!
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I teared up too in the moment! I made sure they knew it too.
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A beautiful moment and slice, indeed. No doubt your students were following the example of their teacher. No wonder you are so proud of them, and you should be proud of yourself as well.
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I appreciate that! I really try. Thank you, always.
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You have done an amazing job of building community among your students!
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That means the world to me! Thank you!
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When students talk like this to each other it is a true reflection of your compassion and empathy in the classroom.
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I’ve really tried to instill the idea of a “Classroom Family” in them. I think it’s starting to pay off! I really appreciate your kind words! It means more than you know.
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Remember when we went on the field trip and the kids were singing the whole way there? There have been many times I’ve spent with you and your class and known just what a special teacher you were, and I was reminded of it again, on that bus ride. You have definitely created a classroom family, and that was exactly why they were able to respond to one another in the way they did. Your class is a special place! 🙂 ❤
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🙂 I DO remember! That had a little beauty in itself too. Michelle, I screenshot-ed (?) this, so I can print it out and add it to my “why I do this” box. Thank you for all of your encouragement, always. My heart swells when I read this; and I’ve read it over more than a few times now. You’re wonderful. Thank you!!!!
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Wow! I love those little moments when we are so proud of our students we are giddy. Way to build an amazing community of learners.
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Thank you; I appreciate that! I was giddy beyond belief! 😛
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These are the moments that remind us why we teach. And too bad we don’t see more of these moments featured in the news.
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How heart-warming! It is obvious that you have fostered that culture in class.
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I certainly have tried! Thank you!
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I love reading stories of empathy from students, especially when I read recent articles about our lack of empathy as a society. Gives me hope for the future!
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My kiddos are astoundingly empathetic this year. It’s awesome to see them go!
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