The 18-hour field trip

This past Friday, all 4th & 5th graders at my school took a field trip to Austin, Texas, where we all visited the Capitol & the Bullock Texas State History Museum, along with dining at Cracker Barrel, a dining hall at UT-Austin, & the Golden Corral.

It's safe to say that our day was jam-packed.

The Capitol

Though we did so many neat things within the heart of Texas, my favorite part of the trip had nothing to do with any of the scheduled events. My favorite part of the trip was a conversation I had with a student in my class.
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Background: This student & I bash heads a lot. I am still trying to figure out how to motivate this child to work hard. This student is BRILLIANT, but an attention-seeker to the max. Inappropriate comments, words, actions...you name it - this kid has probably done it.
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I decided to have a seat next to this student while traveling from one destination to the next, & tried to strike up a conversation. We talked about sneakers, Jordans to be exact, & this child suddenly opened up to me.

He talked about his family. He talked about the problems his sibling are/have faced. He informed me about the local Fort Worth gangs. He asked me questions about college. He questioned me about my family.

I was shocked to learn about the hardships he has faced, things he has seen in his life, & knowledge I wish I could swipe away from his brain. No wonder he acts the way he acts, I thought. I spoke when asked a question, but I mostly just listened. I think he appreciated that.

During that bus ride, a relationship began to form. Today, the first day back from the field trip, lacked the usual disruptions from this child. He seemed to be, dare I say, motivated.

Realizing that being a great teacher means forming true relationships with students is daunting...but equally rewarding. I'm becoming more and more emotionally invested in these 9 & 10-year olds. They are unique, goofy, troublemakers, learners, talkers...I could go on & on - but mostly, they are wonderful :)