I had to teach a fourth grader how to tie his shoes today! We were going to PE, and he asked me if I would tie his shoes. I basically said that you are a fourth grader, and you should be able to tie your own shoes! He did not say anything more until we were outside the gym, and the rest of the students had gone inside. He was on the ground crying. He told me that he didn't know how to tie his shoes. Furthermore, I realized that this student was one of my learning disabled students, and had a hard time with things anyway. I felt like such a dork! So, I got down on the ground and taught this sweet little boy all about the bunny ears. It was a huge lesson in patience. I realized that teachers are not just teaching academics. We are also teaching these little life lessons every day! This student did not need help with his multiplication facts. He needed help with bunny ears. It was a huge lesson for me to stop and think of what each of my students need.
