Underdog

With my job, I work with many types of kids.  All types of personalities and home lives.  You always run across a child with that “wow” factor.  You may be thinking the star athlete or the child that can figure math out in his/her head with no problem.  Not so with me.  My “wow” factor child is the underdog.  The child that does not have that great of a home life.  The child that wasn’t exposed to anything until they stepped through the doors of the school. 

There is a sweet little girl in my class that is the underdog.  She walked into school not knowing colors or how to write her name.  Yes folks, this does happen and we see it all the time.  When Shaun was getting tested for kindergarten, I was worried he didn’t know ENOUGH.  Besides knowing the basics, colors, shapes, name, address, etc., I made sure I got out those math flash cards to practice facts in case he needed to do a timed test.  Ok, I didn’t do that; however, he did know the basics and also he knew how to tie his shoes.  Tying shoes is not a kindergarten standard and needs to be learned at home…..so do a lot of things.

Getting back to my underdog.  When she first walked into school, you couldn’t get her to smile.  She would look at you and turn her head.  Or look at you, and look down.  Second semester came around and there is a different girl.  This girl has more confidence and though she struggles, she TRIES.  She has come a long way from knowing absolutely nothing. 

This girl has now become my “buddy.”  She loves the silly songs I sing in the hallway and now smiles and looks up when I point at her while singing.  Lately, I turn my head and she is next to me.  Out on the playground, her tiny hand holds mine.  Walking in from recess, she also holds my hand into the building.  Her hands are quite cold.  When I asked her where her gloves were, she said she didn’t have any.  Well, that problem is solved…I bought her two pairs. 

I wish the best for this little girl through her life.  I hope she feels comfortable with me and knows that if she ever needs a good listening ear, I will be there for her.  It is a good feeling to see growth and confidence in a child.  J