I have a When Teachers Go Above and Beyond moment. My elementary school Catholic teacher/librarian took us on a field trip to meet an author in a bookshop. The librarian never took anyone on field trips. But she went above and beyond for a handful of us that year. The author? Madeleine L’Engle.
Madeleine L’Engle is the author of numerous books including A Wrinkle in Time – which will be a major motion picture with Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Mindy Kaling. She is kind of a big deal.
My librarian read aloud to us a chapter from L’Engle’s book each class (and I think it was, in fact, A Wrinkle in Time). Reading aloud is a great way to teach kids respect, patience, and fairness. A lost art really. Not only did we discuss the story and characters (as you would in library class) – she encouraged class creativity and curiosity surrounding the book. A group of us made a board game based on the story (we created a colour-coded board game, playing cards, playing pieces). It was innovation and collaboration in the classroom like no other.
Our field trip was to see Madeleine L’Engle. Our librarian arranged for us to meet the author, give her our board game, and receive autographed books of what was then her new book Camilla.
Now what does this mean to me? It was the first time I ever met a real life author. It was the first time I met someone “famous”. It was the first time I ever went anywhere with the librarian.
Beyond teaching me literacy and the dewy decimal system (back when dewy was the system), my librarian taught me to be creative and curious. She taught me that learning in the real world was valuable. She taught me to go above and beyond when I see a spark of passion.
And you do know…I’m an author myself now.
My teacher/librarian went above and beyond. I have found Catholic teachers deliver lessons that extend beyond math, science and history; providing larger lessons for life.
Nowadays, teachers can introduce students to experiences and experts without having to take the subway. Teacher Joe Grabowski organizes hundreds of virtual hangouts on Google and Skype, giving students in classrooms across North America a chance to learn from and interact with working scientists in the field. Joe uses these virtual field trips to show students the hidden corners as well as instilling a sense of global citizenship and environmental stewardship.
As an author, who does Google and Skype class visits myself — this feels very full-circle to me. My librarian took me to see an author. Now, librarians bring me (via Google and Skype) to see their students.
Full-circle indeed.
This post is part of the YummyMummyClub.ca and the Ontario’s Catholic Teachers #CatholicTeachers sponsored program. I received compensation as thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors. Visit http://www.catholicteachers.ca/LessonsForLife for more information.
The value of good teachers cannot be overstated. Not only do teachers teach our children all the book things they need to know, but when you think about it, they’re also like second parents. What they say and do carries real weight with our kids.
So SO true
My Daughter had a Teacher that always did extra with the kids. My kids have been able to participate in a few virtual field trips. I think it is a grreat way to teach kids. When you are lucky enough to get a Teacher like that you have to be sure you let them know you appreciate their hard work.
virtual field trips are very cool indeed
I love when teachers truly love what they’re doing and I just hope that whenever I have kids, they will have teachers that will positively impact their lives with lessons that will help them be better people when they grow up
I have to say that a teacher that goes above and beyond is a true find. Our librarian from my elementary days was wonderful and I love it when she read outloud to us. It is rare but those teachers are out there and kids are better because of that. Also I think it is so neat you were able to meet a famous author and that you are now an author.
I think it’s neat too
It is amazing when a teacher goes above and beyond. Sadly, that happens less and less these days. Reading and reading aloud is a skill I have practiced with my kids since they were born. WE love doing it together as a nightly bonding ritual
I love this and can relate to it. My daughter has had a terrible time at school until one teacher went above and beyond to really turn things around for her this year.
So good for your daughter (and you)
I have so much appreciation and admiration for teachers because of what they do. They teach more than just the subject they were assigned to teach. They’re just amazing human beings.
Totally agree!
Teachers are so amazing. I appreciate them a whole lot. When both my girls were in preschool they had the same teacher and teachers helper. The helper was so amazing with the both of them. She really helped them when they were feeling down.
Amazing
Too many teachers neglect this simple way of teaching. The effort is absolutely worth the award.
I loved reading this. So amazing when teachers go that extra mile. I have a lot of teachers in my life who would so appreciate this!
The extra mile makes such a difference with some kids