As adults we often talk about entering new relationships with the baggage of our old relationships. What has happened to us in the past impacts who we are today. As we have discussed frequently the same happens for our students. Everything that they are has been influenced by where they have been, what has happened to them, how they have been treated, etc.
However, instead of calling it baggage. I would like to propose we call it luggage. Luggage that comes in all different shapes and sizes, in a variety of colors, some tattered some brand new. But every piece of luggage that enters your classroom is full of treasure. The treasure of our students lives. Some of that treasure is neatly folded and well organized while others are tossed in haphazardly. As teachers, we should carefully sort through that luggage and help our students navigate their worlds inside and outside of the classroom. We must do so with care, respect, open hearts and open minds. In doing so, our lives will be enriched along with theirs.
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