Image credit I'm surprised I even noticed the man on the side of the highway as I drove in sideways rain and wind trying to suck me off the road. He was standing at the end of his driveway, looking down the highway...waiting...
Being a teacher, and well aware of the time (late to an after school meeting again), I knew he was waiting for the school bus to arrive, delivering his children home after their day at school.
I smiled as I thought back to my own bus days. My Mom was always waiting at the end of our driveway...waiting to hear about my day at school and what experiences I had. Really, I cannot remember anything specific I told her, but I know most days I "bounced" off the bus full of smiles, chatter and excitement about new things I'd learned and what my friends and I had done that day. I remember my Mom's peaceful smile as she realized all was well with my world.
One thing about me is that I seem to have thinking that spins quickly. After I reminisced about my own positive experiences getting off the bus in a pretty positive light I started thinking about the kids that get off the bus with tears in their eyes and a drag in their step after yet another difficult day.
I remember those kids. They looked out the window the whole way home on the bus. They slumped in their seats and no one ever sat with them unless they had to...I wonder what they told their parent(s) when they got off the bus...
Did they burst into tears? Did they share what pain they really felt? Did they tell about how they didn't really connect with anyone or feel they were learning? Did their parent feel their heart squeeze with agony at the sight of their child's crushed expression?
Then...as my mind spins yet again, I think about my own daughter starting school next year. She, as I did, will more than likely take the bus to school. I will wait for the bus wondering what she will look like when the doors open each day. I will read her face and body language and will hope that I see a look of contentment to be home and that she "spills over" with excitement as she tells me about her day.
As an educator I plan to continue to work toward creating a space for all learners...so when they exit the bus they are proud of themselves and feel they belong...
