The Faces of our Youth

Looking out over the faces of eighth Graders today, we tend to see a multitude of different thoughts going on.
We see the eager faces. Ones with minds like a sponge, ready to soak in any Knowledge we are willing to impart to them.
We see the lost faces. Ones who want to learn but just cannot quite seem to be able to grasp it all. For these we need to give more patience and understanding.
Then we have the faces of the ones who try to be the Tough ones. If you were to look deeper, you would see Pain. They want so much to belong somewhere but have not a clue as to where. Therefore, they just block everyone out. Even though you have to show some TOUGHNESS back, be sure to add some sugar coating and let them know you are there in case they need you.
All Children are eager to please. Give them that opportunity. Look for even the smallest thing to praise them. Just a little praise can go a long way to a child not used to it. It could even be a turning point in that young life.
Is it not sad we can no longer give children hugs in schools?
Colleen Gough
08/08