The pandemic has shifted so much of life off of its axis, and schools are no exception. All of the typical conventions of school life have shifted, and as a former preschool, kindergarten, and special needs teacher, I think about the loss of relationships that the changes in schooling have brought. Those relationships serve as an anchor for so many children.
The poetry anthology SCHOOL PEOPLE by Lee Bennett Hopkins captures those connections between children and caring adults who serve all sorts of roles- crossing guard, librarian, custodian, bus driver, teacher, cafeteria worker, school nurse.
The poems in this collection can serve as a reminder of all of those special people, who are working now, who are waiting to greet our children when they return to classrooms, who are doing their best in trying times.
I love being a part of Poetry Friday, a weekly celebration of children’s poetry. Author Buffy Silverman is hosting the Roundup of Poetry Friday posts today at her blog.
I love this collection, Mary! My teaching employment dried up and my daughter is doing her junior year in high school online/100% remote. We know first hand about those “who are doing their best in trying times”. 🙂
So much has changed, Bridget! We will be processing this and writing about it for years, I imagine!
I love this collection too — and the reminder to express gratitude to all who are trying their best and working extra hard on behalf of students everywhere. It is easy to forget, sometimes, about the critical interrelationships of the entire school community.
So true, Jama. And while people focus a lot on the role of teachers, I love that the book also celebrates all those other people who are important to children as well: the nurse, librarian, lunch lady, bus driver, and custodian.
I have this collection on my shelf too–a gem!
It truly is– thank you, Buffy!
It’s a favorite book of mine, Mary, but now in the hands of my granddaughters! My oldest (11) is doing well online. The teachers have given partnership & group assignments so although remote, she is getting to know everyone. The youngest (9) is struggling. Her classmates have been a huge part of her loving school & she missed them terribly. Both are trying, but as you wrote, it is very hard. Thanks for connecting the challenges with this wonderful book!
Thank you, Linda. There are so many children who are struggling, and many are doing okay… such variability in this experience! I’m glad your grandchildren have this book to enjoy.
This looks really good. So many things are messed up right now! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Yes, it’s such a hard time in education right now, Ruth. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Hi Mary! I have read this book and right now we can appreciate it even more. So many different kinds of work make up a school community. Good to see you posting.
Thank you, Janice! I’m so glad you encouraged me to join in the poetry fun!