Help. This word’s been much on my mind lately. Seems it should be an oft spoken word in the classroom, for what is our work if not to help. But if measured as such, it would seem–maybe–that our work is something else. Oh, I don’t think it’s that we don’t want to help–we do, but I do think that kids don’t/won’t ask for it. So does that, then, mean they don’t need help? Seems they should need help. So, why don’t they seek it?

Independence? Fear? If it’s independence, then that’s one thing. But if it’s fear, then that’s quite another. Fear of what? Fear there is no help? Fear of peers’ perception? Fear of teacher’s reaction? All of the above, and maybe more? I don’t know, and whether it’s fear or reluctance, kids don’t readily ask for help?

But shouldn’t they? If the work is worthy, then it should necessitate help. And maybe it does, but if it really does, then why aren’t kids asking for it? When and why did “help” become a bad word in our classrooms? I don’t know. But I do know that I want to change that. I want to create a better learning experience for kids by giving “help” its rightful place in the room.

Here’s one way that I am doing that.

And they are asking more. And as they ask, I find hope in help. I find my worth in help. I am a teacher. It’s my honor to help. So, I am trying to honor help. Help is hope.

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.