Often times, we take for granted the simple things in life when it comes to our children; saying “I love you”, a wave goodbye, saying “hi”, playing a sport, taking up a new hobby, or just a simple kiss on a cheek. But something as simple as a kiss on the cheek is not always so simple with my students. But they do learn. Meet our 5th grader, Kosinh.

Kosinh is a sweetheart of a kid. He came to us as a kindergartner and his growth over the years have been amazing. Kosinh loves to rip paper, clap his hands, walk around in his pacer, and give his teachers a hard time. He loves his favorite musical toys, and his containers. He loves to be outside and has learned to open the door to go out on the patio. Kosinh is smart as a whip, but like most students, pretends that he doesn’t understand. He is also very affectionate, not only towards his teachers, but towards his peers as well.

We have enjoyed Kosinh’s growth over the years, and it is always encouraging when we see progress in the classroom that has transferred to the home as well. One area of growth was Kosinh’s ability to hit the communication by the bathroom door to let us know he had to go to the bathroom. We were so proud of him the day he did it for the first time. Now, we work on consistency and the nope that it becomes a regular thing with him. But that is not his greatest achievement.

Kosinh came to school this particular morning like he always does, with his mom in tow because she drops him off and picks him up. He was happy and in such a good mood. Kosinh knows his morning routine, so, without giving mom a second look, he heads straight for the bathroom. I cut him off, turn him around, and tell him to say goodbye to his mom. We have been working on him waving goodbye to her. As she comes towards Kosinh to say goodbye, mom looks at me and says watch this. She then looks at her son and tells him to give her a kiss. As I am thinking… what!!!, mom presents her cheek to him, and Kosinh plants a kiss on it!!! I was stunned!!! He just gave his mom a kiss on her cheek. I looked at him and say, “Kosinh, you want to give momma another kiss on her cheek?” And lo and behold, he did it again!!! I called out to my paras… “Kosinh just kissed his momma on the cheek!!!”

I was so proud of Kosinh!!! What an awesome way to express his love for his momma. The smile on his face and the smile on moms face just warmed our hearts. Way to go Kosinh!!!