It occurred to me that all of us need a Band-Aid from time to time. After all, Band-aids are for protection. We place them on cuts to protect them from dirt and germs. There are lots of things that need protecting. We protect things that are vulnerable, things that can't protect themselves, and we protect our emotions and feelings. When it comes to things like feelings, we don't use a literal Band-aid, we use a different kind of Band-Aid. We protect our feelings with sarcasm, defensiveness, laughter, avoidance, and honesty.
My first graders don't always need Band-Aids to protect their cuts. Sometimes they need them to feel better on the inside. A Band-Aid is a relief, a comfort, a soother, a reassurance, it's a "hug" in a tiny strip. It's a visual reminder that I'm hurt, and an emotional reminder that I have a "hug" on my finger and everything will be okay.
Have you needed any Band-Aids today?
Freshman just like first graders need bandaids every day. I am not sure when they outgrow it. The wounds that the bandaids can't protect are the hardest to tend.
ReplyDeleteYes, they may need even more Band-Aids. When the wounds are deep, more healing time may be needed too.
DeleteValerie,
ReplyDeleteOh, Bandaids. We go through our fair share in our classroom each year. This line caught my attention, "We protect things that are vulnerable, things that can't protect themselves, and we protect our emotions and feelings." I'm thinking when we take the time to get a bandaid it isn't so much about the "injury," but instead about the fact that our students know we care.
Cathy
So true, Cathy. A little thing, can go a long, long, way.
DeleteLove the line, "It's a hug in a tiny strip". What a great perspective on something so tiny and yet so important. Thanks for your viewpoint. Oh, and I love your background!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the nice comments. Those bandaids are very important, and in lot of ways.
DeleteYou are so right, we all need some kind of a band-aid to help us when we are hurt. What lucky kids to have such an understanding teacher.
ReplyDeleteYes, we do, don't we? Thanks so much for the wonderful comments.
DeleteGreat insight. I did need a real bandaid today. I had to get a small thorn out of my foot and covered the area with a bandaid and ointment so it wouldn't get gross from my socks and shoes.
ReplyDeleteWow! How did that happen? Wish I had invented the bandaid. Haha. Thanks for the nice comments. I hope your foots okay, too.
DeleteYour ending - It's a visual reminder that I'm hurt, and an emotional reminder that I have a "hug" on my finger and everything will be okay. - is awesome. And so true for all of us.
ReplyDeleteWendi, thanks for the wonderful comments. Sometimes a little thing can mean a lot.
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