WRITE 2 THE HEART
Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
June 26, 2002
Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com
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There are times when we are the teacher, then there are
times when the student teaches us. Lynne's eyes were
opened to see past the problem's and into the very heart of
a little boy.
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The Cherry Tomato
By Lynne Graham
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I have been a Primary School teacher for many years now.
Throughout my career there have been several occasions
when incidents in the classroom have impacted me, just
as much, if not more, than they have impacted the students
in my classes. None more so than an experience I
remember as if it was just yesterday.
David was a student with come major learning difficulties.
He struggled with most areas of the curriculum. He was
often covered in mud from his rather vigorous games
outside. He was always the last to be chosen if teams
were needed for games. Few children would willingly
work with him or play with him. During lunch and snack
times the other children in the class often swapped
treasures or treats their parents had packed in their
lunchboxes. I had never seen anyone swap anything with
David. As often happens, David's frustrations and feelings
of rejection often led to misbehaviour in the classroom.
One day I had had to talk to him about some unacceptable
behaviour.
After our 'chat' David returned to his desk and I continued
with the group of students I was working with at that time.
At first I didn't notice David come up beside me. Before
I had a chance to say anything David asked, "Do you like
tomatoes?" I replied rather tersely, "Yes. David but...
(Thinking this was just another strategy to avoid his work
I was about to direct him, firmly, back to his seat).
Before I could say a word David quickly turned and
went back to his seat and continued with the work
he had been set. I could not fathom his strange question
and decided David was just avoiding the work he had
been set. I turned away from him and back to my group.
Lunchtime came. David waited behind after all the other
children had gone out to play and slipped quietly up to
my desk where I was trying to get some marking done
before going for my own lunch break.
"Please..." I looked up and saw a scruffy little boy with
mud on his shoes. His hair was ruffled, his shirt hanging
out, his nose running and tear tracks ran down his cheeks.
His big brown eyes looked up at me with a longing for
acceptance that I had not seen before.
It was then that David said, "I've got this for you". There
in his grubby little hand was a tiny, rather squashed,
cherry tomato.
Tears came to my eyes as I realised that David was really
hurting and needed, more than anything else, to know that
I cared for him. He needed to know that my love and
concern for him was not based on his looks, his behaviour,
or his scholastic performance. In his own little way David
was attempting to restore our relationship by giving the
only thing he had to give.
I drew David into my arms and gave him the hug he had
been so desperate to receive. I took his little gift into my
hand and through my own tears I said, "David that's the
best gift I have today. Thank you"
One little cherry tomato and one little boy's willingness
to give it up to restore a relationship. I wondered...David
could have given up on our relationship. In his
determination to cover his hurt and rejection, he could
have become even more difficult or 'switch off' and give
up on trying to achieve any worthwhile results in his
academic work. But instead, David gave that rather
unusual gift...all that he had...his special lunchtime treat...
How often do we as teachers say things or do things
that can have a lasting effect on the children we teach?
How often in the busyness of a school day, do we miss
occasions when we need to listen with our hearts and
see the real needs of the children in our care.
I wish I could say that David's academic scores improved
rapidly. I wish I could say the other children began to
accept him more and welcomed him into their friendship
groups or games...but those things didn't happen. David
continued to have problems with his behaviour.
I can say though, that David often stayed behind at
lunchtimes and we had some great times. Sometimes
we would just sit and talk, sometimes we just listened
to music on the tape recorder. As I worked David would
draw pictures.
I can also say that David taught me a great lesson
and I will always remember the, 'Lesson of the Little
Tomato'.
I will always try to look beyond the external appearance,
beyond the behaviour, beyond the difficulties with
academic work. I will always attempt to support the
emotional needs of the children in my classes.
All thanks to David and his little cherry tomato.
Lynne Graham (Melbourne, Australia)
grahamlc @ ozemail.com.au
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I have been a teacher for over 20 years now, mainly
working with 'special needs' kids in mainstream
situations. I love the work. Although it is both challenging
and demanding the rewards are amazing.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and have a a cute little dog -
'Rusty' (the main character in other stories) and a rather
large cat - 'Oscar'.
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Letters From Our Readers
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I had to laugh at Pamela's story about her son. Boy's are a
challenge. The memories of my son came flooding back,
boy's sure do get into things. Funny how dad's don't seem
to be as surprised at their doings. Neither seem to see the
danger in some of the things they do. Boy's do make life
interesting.
Sheila
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Cheryl's Corner
We have been shopping for a small car. Note I did not say new
car. I think I have sticker shock! I wonder what the cure is?
After test-driving all the cars I was interested in, I suggested
David test drive a little sporty car he had been drooling over. As
soon as he got behind the wheel, he was in love. He began
trying to sell me on the idea of owning it, after all, we were
hunting a car for me.
I laughed at him and told him it would be much to expensive for
us by the time we added insurance and other miscellaneous
features, like a whole new wardrobe for me. Who would want to
drive that car dressed in old jeans and t-shirts? His eyes lit up
for a moment, and agreed that I could have a new wardrobe!
Then I told him I would need a membership at a gym, if I'm
going to have a new wardrobe I would want to look better in it.
He was more than ready to sign for a membership.
Of course I would have to have my hair done more often. He
got this dreamy look on his face and murmured the word
"blond".
I finally talked him out of it, why do I feel like I made the right
choice but made a big mistake?
God Bless
Cheryl
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