Last week I was teaching a 2nd grade music class and giving some examples on the smart board. I tried to write on the board, and it wouldn’t respond. I tried several things, and the class started calling my smart board a dumb board. Actually, I am the one that felt dumb, but they didn’t say that!

Suddenly, a small voice came from the circle of students before me said, “Mrs. Muncy, try touching the picture of the markers above the screen and see if that works.” I touched the picture of the marker, and instantly the markers responded when touching the screen.

I highly praised my young helper and he glowed with the satisfaction of helping his teacher. It was a very sweet moment for him, the class, and me!
Later, I checked the markers on the smart board, and noticed there was a lot of dust in each tray. Once I thoroughly dusted the marker tray, the markers worked when I picked them up and used them on the board.

When I saw the same student today in class, he let me know that he would be glad to help me with any problem that I had in class today. I thought that was kind and considerate!
It’s such a pleasure to work with children. Sure, there are frustrations when teaching children, but overall they are sweet and very honest. If we take the time to listen, it’s amazing how perceptive children are. They pick up a lot more than you think.
So the next time a child makes a suggestion, be sure to take time to listen. There could be a lot more wisdom there than you would like to give them credit!