It was 9:20 a.m. on the dot. I waved to the 2nd graders as they filed raucously out of my music classroom. Transitions aren’t my specialty, but I was on-time getting them back to their teacher and I was happy about that. Plus I got a few hugs on the way out, which is always a bonus. I ate my snack to tide me over till lunch. Teaching music is a little like doing jumping jacks for several hours at a time so I burn a lot of calories. When I was satisfied I wandered down to Mrs. Gill’s room, hoping she would be free for a few minutes. I had mentioned to her earlier that week that I may drop in to pick her brain about strategies for classroom management and behavior at some point and she had told me “anytime.” I was ready to take her up on the offer.

Mrs. Gill was shepherding the last few stragglers out toward recess. They had a hard time leaving as they were petting a black lab who, i found out, was a weekly visitor. I hung around to pet the black lab and lingered long enough to tell if I’d be able to catch Mrs. Gill for a minute. I didn’t want to ask a favor of her in her few minutes of quiet so I turned to leave when she said, “Hey, didn’t you have a question you wanted to ask me?” I told her that I did, but I was wary of using up her break time. She enthusiastically responded that this was a great time and that I was welcome to come chat anytime. Was it her warmth or the pent up emotions or just being with an adult for the first time that morning that made me open up so quickly? Probably all three. I was feeling overwhelmed and my confidence was shaky. How do I handle challenging behaviors- ones that don’t respond to my typical strategies? And when do I call for help? And really, am I going to be able to do this? That was the real question on my mind. I had been helping out in the music room for several months, but it had been on a week to week basis. Now I had committed to the last few months of school and I was feeling in way over my head. I knew I had a lot to offer, and I knew the kids were enjoying music class, but I was exhausted and tense that week, and I needed some encouragement to keep going.

That is exactly what Mrs. Gill offered. She invited me to sit in her rocking chair where she said she invites any teacher to sit when they come talk to her. I told her what was on my mind, and mostly she listened, with a few interjected “you’re not the only one that feels that way” and “what is it that is not working?” and “you’ve got this girl.” I walked out five minutes later feeling so much better and marveling at the magic I just experienced. There is no doubt this woman has a gift of nurturing- not just students but adults as well. But beyond that I was fascinated by how quickly my load felt lighter and I was able to continue on with my responsibilities.

Don’t we all need people to share our load? Mrs. Gill reminded me that day that it doesn’t take much. She offered 5 minutes, a rocking chair, and a listening ear. And it was just what was needed.