I picked “Jabari Jumps” for our last read aloud of the year for several reasons. First, it is a great book for summer as many students will soon be swimming at Worthington’s Aquatic Center. Second, young children relate to the story and the feelings the character experiences while contemplating jumping from the high dive. Last, Jabari overcomes his fear to do something that frightens him and is proud of himself afterward. I just love this lesson!
The day I read “Jabari Jumps” was the day of our preschool graduation. Students were performing three songs for their parents and walking across a bridge to get their certificate. Some students were feeling a little nervous. I was feeling a little nervous myself. I had a speech prepared and realized I needed to do something hard to express my gratitude for my students and their families.
All year long I’ve asked my English language learners to speak my language. I’ve spoken my language to their parents through interpreters. I’ve asked multilingual paraprofessionals to translate my words to students. The first days of school, many students spoke to me in their home language. In time, they learned that I am a monolingual speaker of English and unable to understand their home language. I know some basic Spanish and have learned words and phrases to connect with my students. I’ve learned how to greet my Karen students in their language. I’ve also incorporated literature in their home language, though I’d have to find other teachers and paraprofessionals to read these books. But mainly, I’ve asked students to learn and speak my language: English.
So, I decided I needed to do what I’ve asked my students to do all year. I needed to stand up in front of everyone and speak their language. I might make mistakes. I likely would be very nervous. But the attempt would hopefully convey the gratitude I have for students and families doing hard things everyday. I could do something hard too.
So I wrote my speech. For the last part of my speech, I wanted to thank parents for sharing their child with me. I then wanted to say this in the languages of my students: Spanish and Karen.
The Spanish was easy. I texted my friend Ruth and asked her how to say this in Spanish. She texted back the translation and I sent her a voice text to make sure my pronunciation was accurate. “Siiiiiiii” she teased in response. Attempting to speak the language of another, is quite humbling.
The Karen translation was much trickier. Nawlahhserpaw sent a voice text that was sixteen seconds in length! Nawlahhserpaw spoke slowly (she is a teacher, afterall!) but it still took many attempts for me to transcribe into an alphabetic principle that I could then read. So prior to giving my speech I was nervous. Very nervous. Nawlahhserpaw was nervous as well, but she remained positive and encouraging. “Just go slow”, she advised me as when I tried to speak fast I made errors. Still, I knew I had to do this. I had to jump, just like Jabari.
At graduation, preschool students performed beautifully. The first song was a song about colors in Spanish and English. Students had different colored scarves and they took turns standing to wave their scarves. I was first introduced to this song by a University of Northern Iowa student in my colleague Darcie Wirth’s class who collaborated with my students as part of their coursework on oral language development. I’m so happy college students shared this song with my students!
https://www.dglobe.com/news/local/students-graduate-from-district-518-school-readiness-preschool
The second song was a minor key scarf song, “Blowing in the Wind” by Stephanie Leavell. Last, students performed the adorable and hilarious, “Tooty-Ta” by Jack Hartmann.
My colleague, Matthias Johnson gave his speech first. He didn’t need notes or preparation and can speak eloquently on the spot. When I asked Matthias questions about the ceremony, from where to place certificates to how to hold the microphone, Matthias patiently answered while looking puzzled that someone would wonder about such details. We are very different indeed!
Matthias called his students’ names and handed them their certificate without the slightest hint of nervousness. I suppose Matthias does not have much reason to be nervous as he can improvise on the spot if needed. Oh, how I envy extroverts like Matthias!
Then it was my turn. I was nervous! So nervous that I drank from someone’s half empty bottle of water left on the podium. My throat was bone dry and I was too desperate to care about germs or manners. So I sipped the mystery water and took some deep breaths. I could do this. I was scared, but I knew I could.
And I jumped! I stood up at the podium and smiled at the crowd. I spoke slowly and calmly. I made eye contact. I paused and spoke up. I spoke in English, Spanish, and Karen. I noticed it was very quiet as I spoke Karen. I said, “Thank you” and was greeted with applause. I did it! I was scared, but I did it!
I did what our newcomers do everyday. It is hard. It is nerve-wracking. But I’m so happy I did. I felt proud of myself, like Jabari. And Nawlahhserpaw was proud of me too. She gave me a hug and excitedly said, “You did great!” I recognized the second-hand excitement that teachers get when their pupils accomplish something. Nawlahhserpaw is one fantastic teacher.
Matthias teased me afterward, “Way to upstage me!” I knew he was kidding and he was mostly just relived that I was able to speak at all given my nerves in the days prior to the ceremony. I was thankful for his patience and flexibility with my endless worries.
This summer when I’m presenting at the Iowa Reading Conference and navigating my new role as a university professor, I will think of Jabari. I will think of our immigrant families and the “jumps” they make. The fears they overcome. The challenges they face. And I will aspire to their level of courage.
Here is the video of our Preschool Graduation:
Paint and Pages 
Leave a comment