To step back into early childhood, one normally encounters memories of  their first book.  Whether the book is one that has been read to in profuse repetition by another person, or a book that has become a favorite due to excessive enjoyment, everyone who can read and write has memories of books in correlation with their early childhood.  As for me, I can recall many nights that my mom would “bed me down” for the night and end the day with a story we would enjoy together.  This was a perfect nightcap for any kind of day any of us had had - whether good or bad.  One thing for certain - this was always a favorite for my brother and me.  She would take us to places we had never been before and even back to some of our favorite places with the stories she read.  Oh, but the reading didn’t stop there.

            We encountered reading in places other than at home.  Grandparents, cousins, babysitters, and family friends always seemed to provide a good story or book when bargained with a hug or a kiss.  Although reading had been experienced in the home and outside the home, school was the primary resource for learning literacy.

            Oakland Elementary School was the place and learning was the game.  My kindergarten and first grade teachers were the major contributors in my initial steps in learning to read and write.  Ms. Brooks and Ms. Joan Howell were my kindergarten teachers, and they influenced me so much that I named some of my farm animals after them.  The animals were named Brookie for Ms. Brooks, Joanie for Ms. Joan Howell, and Rosie for Rose our bus driver at the time.  All the other animals were secluded from being named.

        As a teacher, I hope that I can make a difference in some young child’s life, just like my teachers have done throughout my education.  With this in mind, I would like to address you with a goal that every educator should strive to reach.  We, as teachers, have a personal responsibility and commitment to ourselves and as members of society, to ensure that we meet the basic needs of everyone no matter what inconveniences it may cause individually.