It is the time of year for prayers for a good year. I pray for my family, friends and loved ones, and my high school students.

This month I returned to the classroom after over 5 years since I’ve taught in a formal classroom. This opportunity came up early in the summer and I decided to dive in again to my old love of teaching English, literature and writing to 9th and 10th grade girls.

Each one of my students is a unique soul.

Here are some hopes and goals that I have for my students. They will work hard in my class and hopefully achieve success. For the 10 months of the school year, I have 10 prayers for my students to find, experience, feel, develop, learn, value, improve, grow, achieve and work…and so much more.

I PRAY THAT:

1. … each student finds and experiences her unique gifts. Whether that be writing poetry, essays, decorating bulletin boards or participating in debates.
2. … each student feels accepted and loved by her teachers and peers.
3. … each student develops self-control to regulate her classroom behavior.
4. … each student learns accountability for turning in assignments and being prepared for class.
5. … each student values the process of making errors and growing from them.
6. … each student is comfortable asking questions when she doesn’t understand the material.
7. … each student improves organization skills, including keeping books and papers in order.
8. … each student grows in her capacity to not only hear, but listen to peers and teachers who are speaking.
9. … each student achieves the social skills necessary to work in groups with her peers.
10. … each student shares a love of books and the written word.

I ask G-d to allow me to provide an environment in the classroom that encourages my students to blossom in the 10 ways above. Amen.

Stay tuned for weekly Teacher’s Diary updates.