Favorite Story of the Week

I have one student who is not at all shy, full of energy, and not afraid to speak his mind. I love these characteristics about him, but sometimes his attitude (which is what we were learning about this week) about a situation can be bad and he'll let everyone know! So we had a rough day on Monday with this and Wednesday wasn't looking promising---until homework time at least.

I was walking around helping students with homework when I noticed he was done with his math worksheet. I checked his answers and nearly all of them were right. With each right answer I made a big deal about it and with each wrong one I asked him questions that lead him to the correct one---essentially he knew exactly what to do just messed up a few times. Each time I would encourage him, really doting on him, and you could see him just smile. His attitude towards me and with everything we did changed. So I gave him more praises telling him I would have to tell his mom how well he did today.

When his mom arrived to pick him up he came up to me, "My mom is here!" He remembered what I had said! So I talked to his mom and just bragged on him some more. He looked as if he were trying to hold back a smile. I hope that through the affirmation he felt loved by God, felt his worth, and felt valuable.

Smart Start- after completing second week

Hey everyone!

These couple of weeks have been different from what I expected, but in an exciting way! My kids started out very rowdy and did not listen to anything I said! However, they have begun to improve and tried at least for a little to listen to me! I know that God will work in marvelous ways, we need only to pray. God has definitely shown me to continue to have dialogue with him throughout everything I do. I am continually praying for his patience and love because without them, I know I can not be a light for him! I know that God has put his hand on all of us as teachers and will lead us to do great things for all these kids! Sometimes, prayer is the only thing we can do! Keep on praying! I thank God for this opportunity and can not wait to learn and share from all of you all at Smart Start!

Sunday, September 13, 2009, the CNS Smart Start Singers participated in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Fall Fest. About 30 Smart Start Singers attend the event. They were picked up and driven there by our very own Michael Watt, CNS Board Member. Rylan Foster and Reyes Castillo-Silias lead the singers as they preformed twice during the event. The students also participated in games, face painting and crafts. It was a terrific time!

Today marks the first day of Smart Start classes for our students enrolled in our CNS afterschool ministry. We pray for all of the children, the Smart Start Teachers, our talented Site Coordinators and the wonderful Smart Start Volunteers. Lord, bless the young and support them all in their bidding to continue to build a strong relationship with you Lord. Guide us Lord and show us the way! Blessings to all!