It is not always the dynamic events in our lives that make the most significant changes. Sometimes big changes come in small packages that slip quietly in and out of our daily routine, touching us in a way we will never forget. Certainly my marriage to my best friend and the births of all my children will forever be treasured events in my life, but I am talking about something quite different here.

My small package was a delicate little first grade girl who was a student of mine for a few short weeks several years ago. I was instantly drawn to this curious young lady with her big brown eyes, eagerness to learn and strong desire to please. I longed to feed that curiosity and make sure she had every opportunity to acquire as much knowledge as she could soak up. I just wasn’t sure how to do that as neither one of us could understand what the other one was saying. It was early in my teaching career, and I had had absolutely no training on how to work with an ESL student. To complicate things further, there was virtually no ESL support available for her, and the one person in the entire building who could communicate with her was only there part time.

As a result my little angel never spoke. We had our difficult days to be sure – like the day I couldn’t understand when she tried to tell me she was feeling sick. But we had great days and both learned a great deal. She learned things like how to tell time and began to say a few words in English. I learned there is a lot you can communicate without ever saying a word.

Photo by Robin Kelley All rights reserved

This was never more evident than the day she proudly handed me a Christmas present containing a figurine of two wolves. I desperately wanted to quiz her about the story behind this curious gift, but the look in her eyes and the hug she gave me as she turned to go to her seat were enough and are still alive in my heart today. THOSE were the best gifts ever.

She didn’t return after Christmas break. I have to admit I grieved for a few days – not only had I not had the chance to say goodbye, but I had lost the opportunity to teach her all the things she needed and wanted to learn. That was over a decade ago. She would be in high school now. I often wonder where she is and how she is doing. I doubt she remembers me, but I will never forget her.

I lost my heart to the art of teaching ESL students that year. It is because of her that I am no longer a classroom teacher but an ESL teacher. It is a journey I love and have never regretted. But when I get tired or discouraged – as all teachers do – I just look at my figurine of the two wolves and remember ….

Welcome to my journey as I share some of my memories, my experiences, and some resources I have discovered over the years. Whether you are an ESL teacher or a classroom teacher I hope you will find encouragement and useful information for both you and your students.

by Robin Kelley, NBCT