It was near Christmas during my first semester teaching a new school. I love my small special class more than any group I had taught in the past. They were hungry for knowledge and I was enjoying teaching.
Other teachers had told me that our children were from poor families and not to expect any child to bring a Christmas gift. In fact, I wasn’t expecting any gifts.
Imagine my surprise when every child brought me a gift on the day before our holiday break. First, I got a much-loved stuffed monkey from a shy girl. I was told, “He is my favorite, but I love you and I want him to be with you, Miss Taylor” How thrilled I was!
Next came a new set of Christmas tree lights that was “missing” from a mother’s cupboard.
Finally, I came to one little boy’s gift which I had never received. It was an old, dirty and broken Christmas story book. Just then I wanted to express my happiness, I was interrupted(打断)by the giver, “And see, it is new! It still has the price tag.”        "
When other children laughed at him, I stopped them and said, “Oh, books are good in that way. The story is always new if you have not read it before. Now, Let’s share one together.” Everyone listened quietly as I read the most wonderful Christmas story of my life.
I still keep those Christmas gifts, They always remind me of my lovely kids.
Why did the teacher like her small special class?
When did the children bring their teacher gifts?
Who sent a stuffed monkey to the teacher?
Was the Christmas story, book new?
How did the teacher feel when she got the presents?