On Tuesday mornings, I have cafeteria duty. I hate cafeteria duty. You have to be a cop, making sure the kids follow the procedures and keep the talking to a minimum. “It’s time to eat, not talk. If you continue to talk, you will be asked to leave.” The kind of talk that’s not kind. I do try to greet the kids with a smile and good morning, but breakfast time has one goal. “Eat something.”
When P came in, he didn’t follow procedure. He came straight to me before going through the cafeteria line.
“Good morning,” I said. “I see you have a broken arm. What happened?”
P begins his monologue. A story he has practiced and told before. “I was on my skateboard, and I was trying to go up the two steps, but I hit the first step and fell.”
I express my sympathy, “That must’ve really hurt.”
“Yes, but… that’s not why I’m talking to you. I need help with my tray.”
I jump into action. “Of course, I’ll get your tray for you.” I went through the line, brought him his tray, opened his milk, and packaged, heated breakfast sandwich.
His smile and puppy dog eyes were thanks enough.
Later, I was walking down the hall to transfer to my next school. P’s kindergarten class was dutifully lined up to go to P.E. or library. He stepped out of the line when he saw me and whispered something I couldn’t understand.
I leaned over, put my arm around his good shoulder and leaned in. He whispered, “I love you.”
My heart melted. I actually had tears in my eyes as I wandered out to my car. I’m going to change my perspective on cafeteria duty.
Reflections on the Teche 
This story captures why we do what we do as teachers. SO many day in and day out tasks (like a duty) we hate. But as soon as we get feedback saying we made a difference in someone’s day, we keep at it. Thanks for sharing this moment! So lovely!
I’m trying to savor small moments like this one to help me through the next 5 years to retirement. They keep me fueled.
It’s these priceless moments that enable teachers to power on. This is a beautiful tale and it shows the power of kindness.
Sometimes in the midst of a chaotic cafeteria, it’s hard to remember to be kind.
Ugh! I remember.
😊😊😊
Sent from my iPhone
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Oh, that is the sweetest encounter ever! Just precious. It gives us the drive to continue in the hard task of education.
There are so many reasons to teach…and so many things that are frustrating about teaching. But the kids… 🙂
Just the best. Kindergartners say the sweetest things!
Oh how I hate the structures and rules of school that have been set up to be unkind and disrespectful. So glad you were able to take this moment to lean in to a child’s need to connect! These small moments keep me going too!