Monday, May 16, 2005

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E

I'm always amazed by the confidence of some my 2nd graders. One girl was sharing from her journal today and wrote:

"Over my weekend I went to a softball clinic. We worked on hitting and catching. I'm good at both."

Another girl came up to me today and asked how to do a writing assignment. I repeated the directions and she replied, "Oh great! I'm so good at that."


I see some kids that come from homes where they're told how wonderful and smart they are everyday. Other kids come into my classroom doubting every step they take. They ask 10 questions for every assignment and need me to check every sentence they write. It's hard to find the right balance as a teacher...building confidence and giving praise, while making sure they learn the proper place for a little humility.

5 comments:

Lauren said...

Jenna,

It is so good to know that some kids are receiving the praise and self-confidence from their homes, but it is so sad to know that some kids are being belittled and mistreated in others. I can't wait to read your thoughts! I KNOW that you are an incredible teacher and the kids are richly blessed to have you. Be blessed.

jkreggp said...

Jenna,
You have hit upon what makes teaching an art form: helping students to feel good about themselves at the same time you are giving them constructive criticism so that they may improve. Keep up the good and caring work. You will never this side of heaven know the positive influence you are having. * And thank you for writing the bolg! It is a joy to read your thoughts.

Heather's House said...

I wish you taught at Ward Elementary!! :) We need more awesome people like you in the world! Love ya cuz!!

Kate said...

Jenna,
Your story cracked me up. By the time they're in 8th grade most of the self-praising has died down a bit. I watched "Spanglish" last night and enjoyed a line that the mother says to her crazy, self-absorbed daughter, "You're low self-esteem is just good common sense right now."

Leah said...

One of my little guys is so proud of himself. He told me the other day, "I am so smart. I think I am ready for 1st grade. I think I am so smart that I can go right now."
hee-hee
I love it!