Friday, November 30, 2007

The Navy

My mom called a few days ago and wanted to do something special with me this last Thursday. She had taken a day off of work and wanted to come to my classroom to see me in action. I was thrilled at the prospect of her coming in, and flattered she wanted to spend her day off with me! My mom and dad both frequent my classroom often, but only after hours, or on the weekends. They come up to help with bulletin boards, hanging curtains, moving things around, etc. My mom has never, though, been into my room during instruction. She met me in my room during my lunch break, and we had a great visit. Her eyes roamed my classroom, and I know she was taking in the books, manipulatives, the expo markers, and the unmistakle smell of school. She loves saying her daughter is a teacher. In a world where teachers are not respected anymore, my mom thinks I am nothing short of a saint for doing what I do everyday. I smiled at her when the bell rang because I knew how much she would enjoy seeing my kids march in and start their afternoon of grammar, writing, reading, and inferencing. I teach three-90 minute blocks, and this class, after lunch, is one of my most challenging. I was actually smiling, thinking of the misbehavior ahead, knowing my mom would get a real taste of what my life as a teacher is really like. The students didn't pay her much mind as they started their morning work, but my mom was all smiles as she observed them. I think for her, hearing, "Mrs. McCash" yelled out was something quite stunning. Unless you teach with me, you never hear of me in that fashion. I am simply Jessica. Not at school. My mom stayed for 40 straight minutes. When we started a reading comprehension activity, I handed her a book from the shelf and let her follow along. When it was time for her to leave, I finally told the 5th graders who our guest was- my mother. The gasps were audible, all right! My mom took the floor with questions like a pro. One student asked if I was a good girl when I was their age. Another asked if I had a childhood nickname. At the end of the question time, my mom asked them if they liked to read. She proceeded to tell them how I was NEVER without a book when I was young (I'm still not!!), and she then used my first name, Jessica, when referring to me. They were shocked. They thought my first name was "Mrs." I think she got a kick out of that! My mom whispered in my ear on her way out that she wanted to swing by my house and check on Bichon. I smiled and said, "Sure thing." When I got home, I found my laundry had been folded, and my dish washer unloaded. I also found this note and a tray covered in tin foil. She had "planned" a nice dinner for us and had gotten it all ready. She is really the best mom. I hope I can be as selfless as she when we start our family. She made a big smiley face on her note and wrote that "her Jessica had become a teacher." To say she is proud of me is an understatement. I'm so glad she came to visit. She is already talking about taking another day off next week to come and read a Christmas story to my class. She told me I ran my class like a Naval officer. I love it! I take that as a huge compliment because I try to be very structured, strict, and organized. With 58 11-year olds, there is really no other way to do it everday. My worst class is now one of my best. They loved having her as a guest. So did I.






17 comments:

  1. you and your mother have the exact same handwriting! Weird. When I came by the school that day and was going to see you, I thought for a second that it was kind of weird that you were a teacher. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember that we're all grown up and have real jobs. If it's weird for us, I'm sure it's doubly weird for our parents! What a fun surprise! I love ya girl!

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  2. And yes, of course I'm so proud of you Jessica. You grew up to be a great person that can contribute to society. Isn't that one of the hardest jobs of any parent is to shape a life that will turn out to be a part of society & not end up in jail, or strung out on drugs, & of course to raise a child that loves Jesus Christ with all of their being. Thats what it is all about, but any parent that has a child to raise that is the hardest job you would ever have. How can I not be proud of you? You are amazing person & your my child...

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  3. What a great mom! That was so sweet that it made me cry! I love how the students were amazed that you have a first name. Thanks about the tree. I still have some work to do, but it will get there. I did have gold, deep red(almost maroon) and a sage green, but most of my green stuff vanished! I can't wait to see yours. Brooklynn doesn't pay much attention to it. I think it's because I toddler proofed the bottom--if it were dangerous she wouldn't leave it alone!

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  4. How sweet!! Now I'm crying wishing I could see my mom all the time, and have her unexpectedly pop by for a visit. That doesn't happen when you live hours away from each other. :( I"m filing this away for future reference in my "the kind of mom I want to be" file.

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  5. uh...yah, and I have some old high school notes to prove it! ;-)

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  6. That is so sweet. There is nothing else in the world as great as a mother's approval!

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  7. Oh My Gosh, Jessica. I so know what you are talking about! My parents too were proud that I was a teacher, but by far the coolest moment was when my then fiance, Brian, came to see me teach. It gave him a whole new perspective and level of respect for the profession. I had 32 5th graders that year...now they are married! Makes me feel sooooo old ;0)

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  8. That is an awesome Mom! I too hope to be a mom like that one day! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I'm sitting here wiping tears. I wouldn't have been able to make it through class without a few tears. How special that must have been. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  10. What a special morning in your classroom! My mom is a first grade teacher, and it always cracks me up how kids are just amazed that their teacher has a life outside of the classroom--and a first name, on top of that!

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  11. That is such a nice story! You're so lucky to have a mom like that! And what a great example for all of us. I hope I can be like that too when I grow up :)

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  12. That is just the sweetest thing. You made me teary!!

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  13. After hearing about what your Mom did, I now know why you seem to be such a terrific person and teacher! It's in your genes! I know she is proud of you as I am of my own precious daughter. We are blessed as Mothers!

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  14. that's so fun that she got to visit your classroom! and the kid's reactions were hilarious.

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  15. aw! Your mom is right to be proud of you!

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  16. Sweet blessing, Jessica! I enjoyed reading about your mom's visit to your class. And the "S" monograms look beautiful! You are one talented lady.

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