The Poking Student

So I have this student we will call George. He has been known to be a bit aggressive, a bully and down right avoidable. Well, once I got to know him I realized something; he is a little boy stuck in a large body. He happens to be nearly 6'2" and approximately 240 lbs. or so. He is not yet in high school, but looks much older. The other teachers have steered clear and will frequently talk of the fear he has brought upon the hallway activity. This avoidance has increased his persona... Providing a "don't mess with this dude" facade.

I went on a mission to break down the walls between him and other staff. I had found a little boy who likes to "poke" and play with adults and peers. For a child of typical size at this age, one might not think twice, unfortunately he fell out of this category a couple years ago. Along the way found himself alone. As a caring compassionate person, I wanted others to see this fun, goofy, poking little boy (under the mass) I had discovered. There is a defining moment in which you know George has let you in and now likes you. This moment you find yourself thinking, "what just happened?"

George will drop his chin while keeping eye contact, slowly bring his pointer finger up to your shoulder and gleefully glance up as he pushes his finger into your shoulder and says, "hi."

Along my mission I have gained followers. these followers have all at some time or another found themselves full of joy as the tell the story of when George first "poked" them. As this story was, yet again, being told to me today from a new follower, I found myself thinking; How often do Teachers happily and proudly speak of a time that a student "poked" them for the first time?

Well, I found myself in tears with laughter at this thought and realized this story was more than worth sharing. So, enjoy... :-) I hope that one day you all may meet George and experience the "poke." It will brighten your day.