Getting a bit personal.

Today was such an educational, eye-opening day.

My teacher, Erin, went to a seminar type thing over the weekend and decided to implement something she learned during the LO (Life Orientation) lesson at the end of the day. She put out an empty tin and told the students to write down any problems they might be having on a slip of paper. They would put their problems in the tin, and then we would all go outside and sit in a "care circle" in order to discuss everything that was in the tin. She also got out a small Tigger stuffed animal who would be passed around the circle so everyone in the class got an opportunity to talk about whatever problem.

I swear, I saw about three students put slips of paper into the tin, but come care circle time there were a good handful of slips in there. There was everything from "My friends are fighting and trying to drag me into it" to "This girl gives me nasty looks when I answer a question right" to "My parents are fighting, what do I do?" to "My dad hasn't had a job in a long time and my parents are having trouble paying their bills."

Obviously my heart broke any number of times. Especially when almost every student in the class chose to share that their parents have fought in the past or are fighting now, as well. I've only known these kids for a little over four weeks, but I already wish I could take all their problems.

I also attempted to give advice every time Tigger was passed to me, just to make sure the anonymous student knows I care about them. I know how much students look up to their teachers, and I know how excited the students get when I teach them :) So, I figured the least I could do was show my support and try to help them in any way I could,

The "Care Circle" is definitely something I'd love to implement in my own future classroom. I've seen that it can be successful, and it's a really good way to encourage unity, friendship, and problem solving among the students.

Today also got me thinking: I want so badly to help all of these kids with their social, emotional, mental, etc etc problems. Why didn't I just major in child psychology?! Oh, well - there's always a Master's degree!

(OH! And I promise my next entry will be much more uplifting/happy. I'm going to another game reserve on Saturday! Animals!!)