A student shared this little Emily Dickinson poem in class today.
A WORD
A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just
Begins to live
That day.
I wonder if the words I say and read with my students will continue to live, and maybe someday some of these words will come back to them. I hope so. Today a tenth grader said to me, "I miss your class so much, and the way you used to read to us." I needed to hear that, in the middle of a season when my words so often seem dead!
Mary Lee has the roundup today, here! Go check it out!
Good thing those words come right when we most need to hear them!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard this poem before. I would agree with Dickinson that saying a word is what brings it to life; much as you have illustrated in your read aloud comment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Cathy
It's a beautiful sentiment, isn't it? I hope that comment by your former student helped, Ruth. I'm not sure students always express their gratitude, but if one said it to you, I imagine others are thinking it! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteWords are kept alive by teachers like you, Ruth. I think that's what this student was trying to say.
ReplyDeleteI think we (schools, parents) underestimate how much students/people of all ages like to be read to. It's a very engaging experience. Linda's right -- the ones you hear from are only a small portion of the ones who think it!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it takes time, even years, before words truly sink in... but they find a way. As a teacher, I would bet your words are finding homes with many, Ruth.
ReplyDeleteHi there Ruth, so many thoughts to ponder here. I've always thought that words have a life of their own. And once released to the wind take on a magical form. Thank you for sharing this!
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