Over the past few months I have been privileged to get to know two 2nd grade girls at our local elementary school. This is my 2nd year reading with the SMART program. As reading has always been one of my passions this is a wonderful way to contribute and possibly pass on that love to others.
Andrea comes from a home where Spanish is the only language spoken. She has a focus and perseverance about her that I so admire. I soon learned not to prompt her when she struggled for a word. She would shake her head as if to say - I don't need help! I could see her mouth working to sound out the word. Now I bite my tongue and wait till she asks for help - which isn't very often. I don't get to hear her voice unless she is reading - I greet her and ask questions but all I get are smiles and nods. She makes me smile. She truly is delightful!
Penelope is tall for her age and very stylish in her manor of dress and hairstyle. She frequently wears sparkly things, jewelry, hair bows, etc. She also has a sparking personality. I sometimes struggle to get her to read as she prefers to chat. She has commented twice that I smell like her Grandma. I was slightly insulted the first time and did not respond. But when she said it again just before the Christmas break, I asked if that was a good thing and her response was heart warming. She said, with a big smile, "Oh yes, I love going to my Grandmas house!" and launched into a story once again.
So, I hope that I am helping each of these girls to advance their school work. They sure do help me - I always leave the school with a smile!
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