Kids are ending the year with lit circles, which gives them a lot of independence and an opportunity to show themselves (and others) how well they can handle such responsibilities. Unlike the rest of the year, for this work I allowed them to choose their own groups. Several of the Latino students decided to work together. Their English ability is a wide spectrum: one boy has just moved to America and speaks no English at all; another boy just moved to America and speaks intermediate-level English. One girl has been living in the States for a number of years but still has some difficulties with English.

I told them to do their best to stick to English, to help each other out as they’re working. They’ve been doing just that.

These kids have a very special place in my world right now: I know, to a slight degree, the struggles they’re going through. I often remind them about how much they’ve improved this year, and I tell them how proud I am of them and more importantly, how proud they should be of themselves.

“And just between us, teachers aren’t supposed to have favorites, but I so enjoy working with you guys,” I told them. “You’re not my favorite, because I’m not supposed to have them, but you’re close,” I added, with a wink.

“We know,” one of the girls laughed.