Don't Always judge a Book by it's Cover

        We have all heard of the analogy don't judge a book by its cover. In essence it means, a cover of the book is what attracts or detracts us from reading any further. How many of us won't look any further and move along to the next book on the shelf?   Some may turn to the back cover or even look inside. Whoa, they think to themselves this is a cool book. They instantly fall in love with the book and tell others about it.

 I wonder if we act the same way towards the kids we teach or others we really don't know well.  Let me explain: Not to long ago I was filling in for a 2nd grade teacher who had pneumonia.  I noticed one of the boys wandered around, and very seldom did his work. On the third say I insisted that he do it and he started crying. At the very same time I saw a Special Ed teacher came into the room. I  told her about the dilemma.  What she told me I cried  the entire way home.

This young second grader was a victim of the what you hear on the news all the time of thoughtless and cruel people tossing bricks to oncoming cars on the expressway. This child suffered a traumatic brain injury, but no one informed me. There was very little outward signs of any problem. I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover and not looking deeper.  I would of cared for him in a much different manner if only I was informed or didn't judge him.

I explained that I was sorry and he smiled and  he replied  I like the book you gave me.It makes me cry to even think about how heartless people can be and the impact on the 2nd grader.

In closing , as teachers we must try our best to care for each one of our students . The children look up to us and they will follow our example. If we show kindness and thoughtfulness,the children will as well.  If we  judge others they will too.