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| image from icanread |
…Remember how you told me you were an angry child?
Yeah…
Well, you’re not anymore, are you?
I guess not, Mrs. Ripp…. and he smiles
The power of the words we say to our students never ceasse to astound me. We can plant seeds in our students with our words, we can build them up, make them believe that they are something bigger, better, brighter, or we can tear them down.
We can make a child believe that they can read any book some day.
We can make them believe that math comes natural to them and that they just need a little more practice.
We can make them believe that they have worth, that their words carry weight.
We can make them believe that they are smart, intuitive, and a natural leader.
We can make them believe that they have a talent, that they are good enough, that they have incredible things to offer to the world.
We can make them believe that they are worthy of many friendships, that others will like them, and that the world is just waiting for them to burst into it.
We can tear away old labels and replace them with new ones. Labels that build up instead of tear down.
Our words, even our every day ones, carry so much weight, do we even realize it?
Pernille Ripp 
You are so right. I spent most of the year helping a boy move from "I can't read" to "I can read." Seeing his face change throughout the year was a highlight for me. Our words are so powerful.
Good teachers repeat this miracle year after year. 🙂
We plant the seeds, but often don't get a chance to reap. What a blessing it is when we do.– @newfirewithin
You are completely – right teachers, parents and friends have the power to inspire and support with our word choices. Good teachers realize this and choose their words carefully with the individual in mind….and when a students approaches you years later and comment on the kind word you gave them or the praise or encouragement or challenge, you know that you HAVE made a difference.Enjoy your summer holidays Pernille 🙂