In an effort to better understand her students, a teacher in Denver encourages the third grade class she teaches to write about what they wish she knew.
Kyle Schwartz, a third grade teacher at Doull Elementary in Denver, Colorado, then shares the notes on Twitter using the hashtag #iwishmyteacherknew.
Had my students write "I wish my teacher knew___" It's a reality check. #edchat #fellowschat pic.twitter.com/8vFUZqQnu0— Kyle Schwartz (@kylemschwartz) March 28, 2015
According to Schwartz, the project began as an effort to better understand her students, many of whom come from underprivileged homes.
"As a new teacher, I struggled to understand the reality of my students' lives and how to best support them," Schwartz told ABC News.
#iwishmyteacherknew how much I miss my dad since he got deported #edchat #ImmigrationReform pic.twitter.com/yUK0FCwwiO— Kyle Schwartz (@kylemschwartz) April 6, 2015
Schwartz says that she allows the students to share anonymously if they choose, but many choose to write their names and sometimes share the information with the class.
"I care deeply about each and every one of my students and I don't want any of them to have to suffer the consequences of living in poverty, which is my main motivation for teaching," says Schwartz.
#iwishmyteacherknew sometimes my reading log isn't signed because my mom is not around a lot #edchat pic.twitter.com/mUsm4zRdKc— Kyle Schwartz (@kylemschwartz) April 6, 2015
#iwishmyteacherknew I don't have a friend to play with me. Honest answers from kids #edchat pic.twitter.com/5H0EPgRzPQ— Kyle Schwartz (@kylemschwartz) April 6, 2015
Students in Schwartz's classroom are supporting each other more since the note sharing began. According to Schwartz, when one student revealed that she didn't have anyone to play with, her classmates invited her to join them at recess.
Other teachers around the world are using Schwartz's idea in their own classrooms, sharing the notes they receive with the #iwishmyteacherknew hashtag as well.
#IWishMyTeacherKnew that I worry because mom is getting sick... :( #fourthgrade pic.twitter.com/kNhu5gp9DA— Dawn King (@dawnkingCCPS) April 14, 2015
#Iwishmyteacherknew that I try hard, but I'm stressed out #5thchat #gaed pic.twitter.com/xPm4gpXXlH— Cassie Norsworthy (@mrsnorsworthy) April 2, 2015