The Power of ONE

One thing I have learned during my time teaching at KinderCare is the power each child has to influence the atmosphere of a class. You add or take away even just one student, and the entire class environment can change. It is really amazing to me. This has become especially apparent to me since one of my kids has stopped coming on Fridays. He is my hardest kid--constantly seeking negative attention, picking fights with other kids, and not responsive to anything I do, positive reinforcement included. Ever since his mom started working four 10 hour shifts Monday through Thursday, every Friday has been SO nice!! Everyone is more at ease, more laid-back, and has an easier time staying on task. I am always amazed at how much we get done, how peaceful our class feels, and how much easier everything is on Friday. And it's just because one kid isn't there. Each one of us really does have such tremendous power to influence those around us, for good or for bad.