I was going through some old files and came across these poems and one letter. With school starting, I thought some of you might enjoy them:
Dear Teacher,

Today I turn some of my little girl’s life over to you.

It is not easy for me because I held her so tight when she was newborn. I taught her and she felt the love of her family.
But today a new chapter in her life begins; for a few hours I will not be there to answer her questions, kiss her bruises, and to ‘save her’ from life’s little pains, but you will be there. Be kind for she is small. She has so much to give and so much to learn. So for those few hours when she is yours, remember: I held her tightly; I share her dreams; I share her hopes. Give her love and help her learn. When the day is over please send her home unharmed.

—Author Unknown

A Teacher’s Prayer

I wanted to teach my students how
To live this life on earth.
To face its struggles and its strife
And to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book
Or how the rivers flow,
But how to choose the proper path
Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth
And know the right from wrong
And gather all the beauty of
A flower and a song.

For if I helped the world to grow
In wisdom and in grace
Then I feel that I have won
And I have filled my place.

And so I asked your guidance, God,
That I have done my part
For character and confidence
And happiness of heart.

The Miracle of the Beginning Reader

I wiggle and jiggle
And rock upon my chair.
I wiggle my loose tooth,
And I twirl a strand of hair.

I chew on several fingers
And I sometimes suck my thumb.
I tap the reading table
Like I’d play upon a drum.

I kick my foot with rhythm
Lose the place where I should look.
I rub my nose and clear my throat,
And sometimes drop my book.

I look outside the window
And I look down at the floor,
I pay very close attention
When someone’s at the door.

I close my eyes and rest my head;
My teacher’s heart must bleed.
But in spite of all of this
I’m learning how to read!

—Author Unknown