My student wrote a poem and I wanted to share it

I have been “traditional” in my teaching, and it has taken some time for my class to see me for more than just a teacher. I had my first student confide in me today about her relationship. She was about 11 so I didn’t know what “relationship” meant. It meant she had “liked” a guy and he liked her back so they were dating. I guess she was going to tell me about it regardless but she may have not had it wasn’t for a poem. <br><br>Today was the first day I didn’t have to bribe the class to be quiet and listening. I had them write a short poem, words on the board. <br><br>#1 person you admire most<br>#2 reason you admire them <br>#3 what do you want to say to them?<br>4# what do you want to ask<br>#5 how do you feel when you think of them<br><br>*Writer’s note- I forgot to have them write their name at the top (oops)<br><br>My student and I had the same persons on #1. The first student to give me their poem had “you miss.” For #2. It said “because your nice.” It made me smile.<br><br>The next poem said “you miss.” For #1 and #2 it said “because you give me attention.” <br><br>I hadn’t thought about it that way but it spoke volumes to me. <br><br>My students are going though so much and all it takes it to give them a little heartfelt attention but in reality they need more than a little. <br><br>I’m going to be working on that. We are all in this together. And I don’t think you can have too much positivity or love or attention. <br><br>Thank you to the student who allowed me to share her poem. And thank you to the rest of my students for participating. <br><br>Here it is:<br><br>Who: my boyfriend <br>Why: he makes me feel special<br>What I want to say: I love you<br>What I want to ask: do you love me back<br>How I feel: happy