Yesterday was Luke's last day as a reading tutor at White Center Heights Elementary. We have been going to the school since February. Luke started by listening to the tykes (early elementary school) before graduating to hearing the older students' stories. After our first few visits, I was wondering if it really mattered if Luke was there or not. The kids seemed to enjoy coming into a quiet space to read aloud. However, I know the counseling intern (yay Laura!), and she told me that the kids were so excited to read to Luke!
I'm surprised that the question I hear from students in the hallways is: Does he bite? Um, I hope not! Luke has tons of energy, still pulling on his leash when he is ready to move before I'm situated, but he is a gentle soul.
I've had students make other funny comments:
* You mean Luke won't bark at me each time I miss a word?
* Does he like looking at the pictures (yes! of course he does)?
* Me: You are wearing blue and Luke has blue on his badge, but I'm not wearing blue.
Student, a charmer: Miss Christie, your eyes are very, very blue!
* {Student: After reading about snakes} Why don't all snakes look alike? They don't want to match!!!
Also, I was gullible around office staff:
* After checking in with my paperwork, the office staff asked me if she could take Luke's paw print for the records. I said yes!
We read a lot of stories together. I realized/remembered how many BAD children's literature books are out there (e.g., powderpuff girls) and it made me thankful for the really good ones (Toni Morrison's Big Box). My friend, Nina, sent me a list of good dog-themed stories:
- Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
- Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman
- Any of the Biscuit books by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
- I'm No Turkey by Wilhelm Hans
- New Dog in Town by Gail Herman
- Woof by Sarah Weeks
- Who Wants to be a Poodle I Don't by Lauren Child
- Itty Bitty by Cece Bell
- Wag by Patrick McDonnel
- Dog Wants to Play by Christine McDonnell
- The Great Dog Wash by Shellie Brauener
- Funny Farm by Mark Teague
One of the best parts of going to White Center Heights Elementary School was to collaborate to the school counselor, Shari K. She is the consummate advocate and counselor for kids! She welcomed Luke, arranged for us to meet with kids, set up the room, and let Luke roam around her office to find stray tennis balls! She even invited me to a party last weekend! Shari gave me a compliment when she said I was able to bond with some of the zingers (the kids who have a bit harder time in the classroom). I know it is less about me and more about getting one-on-one time with a caring pup and person, but it was great to connect with those kids. I taught school counseling for six years (and I was a child and family therapist in a school for two years!) and in this experience I was able to practice what I preached by learning about kids by having just a few minutes to ask about how the book's content related to their thoughts and feelings.
Shari will be away for a year, but I know the counselor who is taking her position. Maybe Luke and I can read again soon?
2 comments:
Does Luke get to go back in the fall?
I hope so. I've worked with the new school counselor and she has dogs so I think it will work out. I just need to switch to Fridays (that is hard because you always get the extra field trips and assemblies on Fridays). I'll keep you posted!
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