A sweet little girls heart xoxo

This is why teaching is so rewarding.
One of my students is a Spanish girl. I love to have her translate things I have written on the board just to listen to her. Even the simplest things such as her translation of measuring a litre of water into a jug sounds simply splendid in Spanish!!!

She is so thoughtful. And her face... she is ALWAYS smiling and her eyes light up the room.

She made me a Birthday card for my birthday (which was in June) and had everyone in the class sign it. I had no clue and was genuinely surprised!!! It was beautiful... I am sorry that I let other things that were making me not so happy at that particular time in my life... mostly getting older!!! Yuck... interfere with just how special that gesture was.

Today my heart felt so warm and happy. I went back to work today after 2 weeks off for winter holidays. During the winter holidays this little girl went to Queensland with her family. Today she gave me some gifts.

A postcard.
A 'best teacher' owl keyring (technically it's a 'zipper pal' but for my purposes it will be a key ring!)
and a piece of dead coral from the Great Barrier Reef.

This is something I will treasure.
Before the holidays she asked me what my favourite animal was. I told her it was Sea Turtles. I didn't really think much of it I myself ask the children questions like this (for ideas on what to plan lessons around etc).
The special part... the postcard has a picture of a Sea Turtle on it.
Doesn't that make your heart get the warm and fuzzies xoxoxoxoxo
(I have included pictures but of course have edited to hide her name...)

Yes. Teaching is hard work and studies show it is one of the most stressful professions out there. But you have to appreciate what a privilege you are in to know these beautiful people.