To My Dear Students

Ok, so they tell you NOT to get too attatched to the kids you teach. But generally speaking, teachers don't get to keep their kids 2 years. And they generally don't have varying ranges of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I think it goes without saying that in the process of finding my way into these kid's minds and hearts that I had to give them a piece of myself. Well, 6 of my 10 current students (5 of which I've had 2 years) are moving to a new classroom next year. I wrote them a little poem, and I'd like to share it here.

Beautiful Minds and Beautiful Hearts


Deep inside I've seen you hiding
Some days our work can be so trying
But then you go and do something so surprising
I see the potential inside of you

You struggle to tell me how you feel
Your frustration to communicate is truly real
But even when the words escape you still
I know your mind is full of thoughts

Every day I have seen you growing
Learning and speaking and feeling and knowing
More prepared for wherever you're going
As you continue on in life

What you can do some would not believe
I dare not place a limit on what you can achieve
I have been blessed each day to see
A small piece of all you can truly be

Beautiful minds and beautiful hearts
Each one of you special and a work of art
As we go on some of us will part
But know you are always in my heart

C. Harmer, June 2008