Leader of the Pack and Bringing Up the Rear

August 2010

I can't believe it, but it's that time of year again!  Graduation Time!  My First Little Nguyen has finished 3rd Grade with flying colors and is ready......for A BREAK!   Whew!  It was a busy year with lots of extra projects, a ton of reading and, finally, a real challenge.  I have no words to describe his teacher and it seems totally inadequate to say that she was fabulous.  To impress a teacher-mommy is a huge feat, I think, and I am absolutely floored.  This year, Mrs. Butler was right on top of things, always pushing the First Little Nguyen to go a little further, to stretch a bit more, and to try for more than he thought he could achieve.  

June 2011

 It's always music to a parent's ears to hear her child talk about a teacher favorably.  But, in all the years of his schooling, I have never heard the First Little Nguyen say, "She was my favorite!"  Until last week.  I suspect that Mrs. Butler was his favorite because she was always fair, balanced, never needed to raise her voice, and never let him wander.  He didn't have a chance to be bored because he was busy.  He was busy with the right things, however, and there was no "busywork".  Every lesson, every assignment, had a purpose that was clear.  I think she was exceptional because, from what I could see, there was not one child she couldn't reach.  I feel that our little guy was really blessed to have such a great teacher.  As the saying goes, the teacher makes all the difference.  She has helped him to become a "leader in the pack", and that it comes with a great deal of responsibility and accountability.

September 2010

 And this little guy?  Well, the formerly quiet Second Little Nguyen found his voice!  It was a pivotal year for him because he gained so much confidence.  He learned to be proud of who he was and what he could do.  Along the way, he developed a solid foundation for reading and writing, and has learned to do both really well.  His Kindergarten teacher, the same one the First Little Nguyen had, is a fantastic teacher for little boys. Ms. Rivera highlights science in all she does and somehow has drawn both of my children close to her in that way.  What we love most about her the genuine interest she takes in who her students become....who they grow up to be...the choices they make.  She develops a sense of community in them, and they know their place in the school is important....that they are important.  For her, they are willing to try anything.  That is key.

June 2011

The Second Little Nguyen was, in the beginning, a very quiet, painfully shy little guy.  Now, while that same sweet child is in there somewhere, more confidence is surfacing.  This year for us has truly been like watching a caterpillar progressing through its stages of metamorphosis.  A beautiful butterfly has emerged from his chrysalis, and he has spread his wings and taken flight.  Part of his development is maturity, probably, but it never hurts to have the right kind of teacher when that change is taking place.  Again, the right teacher makes all the difference.  

Parting with Ms. Rivera was difficult for us all.  She has become an important person in our children's lives.  The First Little Nguyen still delights in sharing his triumphs with her, and she makes a big deal about every one of them.  With the Second Little Nguyen, she helped him become his own person, someone besides "Benjamin's little brother" at school.  His successes, I am sure, will be just as important to her.  Maybe even more important.  Because to her, he isn't just the "little brother".  He is the Last Little Nguyen, bringing up the rear.  And that, she says, is an important position to be in.