Creating Miracles for All Children

School of Thought Creating Miracles for All Children

By Mrs. Barbara Deutsch

Friday mornings at school, there is a huge celebratory program to usher in Shabbat. The children are divided into two shifts, Kg to 3rd and 4th to 6th grades. The rabbi leads the kids through familiar and new songs, some raffle prizes are distributed and a d’var Torah is shared. A highlight for me is the recognition of middot for acts of kindness.

At first, when the whole program was introduced, there were some kids who held back and rolled their eyes; “this is so nerdy,” they would say. It’s not that way anymore. I would say that participation is close to 85 percent; a good number.

The kids get pumped for Shabbos.

Sitting in the auditorium very week, I derive huge pleasure from watching the now enthusiastic involvement of the children. Even die-hard “know it alls” and “too cool for school” boys sing their hearts out. I cannot say that every single kid gets into it; certainly not the lone third grade boy sitting just to the left of me recently.

I’ll call him “M.” I observed him as he sat quietly on a chair just watching and listening. “M” and I have known each other since kindergarten when he would cry, sometimes even sob, daily for hours on end. No matter how hard the teacher tried, he would not be consoled.

That Friday it was the same – he was off to the side alone and apathetic. No surprise there.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that as the tempo of the music started to quicken and become more upbeat, “M” started to tap his foot, first one then the other. A few moments later, “M” stood and soon his hands joined in. First his feet, then his hands and, just like that, his whole body was swaying and joining the pulsating rhythms of the other dancing children.

As I witnessed open-mouthed and in amazement, “M” morphed into Bojangles, the noted jazz dancer.

I turned to “M” and motioned for him to go up front and onto the stage. I wanted to encourage him to dance upfront so that everyone could watch him perform. On his way to the stage, he turned back to me for assurance. I smiled broadly, encouraging him with a stage whisper, “You can do this.” He slowly nodded his head in response.

Very slowly, as is his way, “M’s” dancing feet propelled him forward.

“M” continued improvising to the music as he danced forward, feet flying to the rhythm of the music.

His two teachers, amazed at the sight of his metamorphosis, smiled with encouragement and took videos. We all looked at each other and nodded our heads with tears rolling.

Who knew? Who knew?

As “M” mounted the stairs, I worried that some of the kids would rush the stage after him. This did not happen. Every person in the room that day, stood quietly mesmerized by “M’s” fabulous performance; as a school community, we were humbled by his talent.

Here was the authentic “M” waiting to emerge; “M” was no longer that crying reserved shy little boy: let me introduce you to “M” superstar Dancer!”

What has to happen for that important switch to turn on and thereby allow a child’s potential to shine bright? the tools we have been taught from the very many staff development courses we take and our own firsthand experience working with children, teachers can be the vehicle that helps to create miracles for all children.

Watching and crying as “Bojangles” danced his way to the stage, I witnessed a magnificent breakthrough. For days after I beheld “M” dancing, I kept replaying the moment in my head. I discussed what I’d seen with my husband Bob and lamented, how can I ever retire?

I would deeply miss this glorious opportunity to witness an awakening. Why would I deny myself these joyous experiences?

For the entirety of my long and satisfying teaching career, I have greeted each day as an opportunity to make a difference. For Jews around the world, Rosh Hashana marks the dawn of a new year and the opportunity to do better. For teachers and children, the year begins in September and ends in June. The child in us remembers going shopping for new school supplies and shoes.

While it’s still about school supplies, more often today a new pair of the latest brand of popular sneakers is preferred.

With the onset of the new year, for me and most educators, there is nothing comparable to the experience of satisfaction that comes from working with children; it never gets old. The feeling of satisfaction while writing a first sentence in a pristine notebook using a sharply pointed pencil brings pure joy. A teacher’s ability to inject a passion for scholarship in a young boy or girl can be compared to no other skill imparted.

As we approach the start of school, it is important to take the time needed to plan goals that will ensure that our students get what they need to be academically and emotionally successful; it demands time, patience, and a lot of heart. It is a must that teachers be mindful of the limited time that they have to help students grow into their potential.

As parents and educators, it is incumbent upon us to use our shared time judiciously and wisely. Every single child that I have ever taught worked harder, played better, and danced, danced, danced, when he or she felt confident in my support of his or her needs.

As a teacher, I have learned that a child flourishes when they can feel love and support. Children need to feel safe in order to make mistakes. These last few COVID years have tested our abilities to confront the aftermath of isolation and fear. It is now more important than ever that we create supportive environments for children to relearn and learn lessons about how to play and work together at school.

We get just one shot at making a difference; we should not and cannot waste it.

Looking forward to welcoming Shabbat at school, wishing everyone a great new school year, and excited to see how all of the “M’s” have grown this summer.

Barbara Deutsch is currently the associate principal at HANC 609 and a longtime reflective educator, parent, grandparent, and new great-grandparent. Even after all these years, she still loves what she does and looks forward to working with kids every single day. She is vacationing in Israel for the summer.