Progress...

Last week, I got a new kiddo.

This, in and of itself, is no big deal. However, the way he was presented to me, the warnings I had been given, had me on my guard. And, it was true, he was a challenge, still is.

However, today, I made sure to stay on top of things. Every time he did as he should, he got a stick on his chart. I praised him. I reminded him of the behavior I wanted. My expectations were told to all.

I did not have to keep on him about sitting still and listening. Yes, a few times, but not constant, as is the routine so far. As the day progressed, I kept at it and at it. I kept waiting for him to give me trouble, but silently accepted the lack of it. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

Yes, another teacher had spoken to him first thing in the morning, but mornings are often fine. It's the afternoons when I feel he tests my patience.

At the end of the day, he's putting his last sticker on his chart and I say to him, "Look how amazing you've been ALL DAY! Now, you get a prize box."

His look was priceless. What I wouldn't do to have that moment again and capture it on camera.

"Prize box?! For me?"

"Yes, baby. For superb behavior. For working hard ALL day."

As he left my classroom, I said to him, "Let's do this again tomorrow. Ok? I want to be able to give you another prize from the prize box tomorrow when it's the end of the day. Ok? You want that?"

He nodded, "yes!"

I smiled and said, "Good. You work as hard tomorrow as you have today and it's yours."

He stepped out... then stepped back and HUGGED me.

.... And not briefly. It was a long, tight hug. I could feel his appreciation. I could tell he was as happy as I at this. At HIS progress today.

Tomorrow may be another day. He may just go back to what is easiest for him.

But for today, I'll take this as the amazing day it was.