Tears of Joy

I almost decided to forego my volunteering at the school today.  It is Tuesday after a holiday so Scott is home.  We had a busy and jam packed weekend of fun so we are a little tired.  I had to get moving and get my shower, hair, etc. all done.  However, Scott laid back down after pancakes and so I decided to just go do it.  Boy, am I ever so glad!  Mrs. M let me administer some DRA's today (early literacy assessments) on some of the students.  I got to work with "Tobias."  This little guy just melts my heart over and over again.  When I subbed he was seriously the hardest working, most focused student yet he struggles.  When I have had the privilege of working 1:1 with him he gives 200%.  I wish I could capture the true preciousness of this little guy.  In April when Mrs. M had assessed him he was reading a level AA (pre-pre primer).  Today, he went all the way to a level 3 before reaching his frustration level at level 4.  Every time I would tell him his score (94%, 100%) he would, with the greatest and biggest grin, go running to Mrs. M and tell her.  It seriously brought tears to these ol' dry eyes of mine.  What an incredible sense of accomplishment for Mrs. M.  He kept telling me in the hallway, "I just keep trying to tell my brain to read those words."  Mrs. M kissed him on the head like 3 times and said, "I'm not supposed to do that but I can't help it.  I am sooooo proud of you!"  He loved and soaked up every single moment of her praise and adoration.  This is why we become teachers!  These breakthroughs are golden....absolutely golden!  I am so, so, so glad I went to volunteer today....and have decided to go back tomorrow!!