Touch

from Katherine

The children that I read to in our literacy program are in BIG classrooms- One hundred and twenty-seven in one classroom. Yes, that is 127 kids in one room. I like to bring nonfiction for kids like National Geographic in addition to Bible stories because not all the children are the typical 9 years old for Grade 3. Some of the kids are much older, so I try not to read “baby stories.”

Because there are so many in the room, I walk up and down each aisle so everyone can see the pictures. Some of the kids have what seems to be an uncontrollable need to touch the pictures. The teachers will tell them “put your hands in your lap” but some of them just can’t help themselves. I can see them trying to hold back and then this urge is overwhelming and  they reach out to touch the picture.

I guess if you don’t have books available to you the need or urge just takes hold of you and you reach out if only for a second.